Reuters reported that Greece and Iran agreed today, Wednesday, to release two Greek tankers flying the Greek flag that Tehran had seized in the Gulf, in exchange for Athens' release of an Iranian oil tanker.
The Greek Ministry of Shipping said that Iran had released two Greek-flagged tankers it had seized in the Gulf last May, ending a months-long diplomatic impasse that strained relations between Athens and Tehran.
Ship-tracking data showed that the Poseidon Delta and Prudent Warrior were on their way out of Iran.
"Delta Tankers" confirmed - in a statement - the release of its ship, "Delta Poseidon", today, Wednesday, stressing that the tanker is sailing to the UAE port of Fujairah to conduct checks before returning to Greece, its original destination.
"This is very good news and we are grateful to everyone involved in securing this release. The crew is safe and happy to be on their way (back) after so many months," she added.
For its part, the Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed - separately - today, Wednesday, that it had released two Greek oil tankers.
It said that an Iranian-flagged oil tanker that was being held in Greece had also left Greek waters.
The ministry's statement added that according to a memorandum signed by Iran and Greece, the two parties will carry out the necessary cooperation in order to improve maritime security.
The Greek authorities detained the tanker "Lana" - which flies the Iranian flag - and its oil cargo near the coast of Evia last April due to sanctions that followed legal action by the United States.
The United States later confiscated part of its oil shipment due to the sanctions imposed on Iran.
And prompted the confiscation of oil from the ship "Lana" Iranian forces last May to seize the two Greek tankers in the Gulf.
Tehran had warned of a "punitive measure" against Greece.
Ship-tracking data showed the tanker "Lana" appeared to have set sail from Greece with Istanbul listed as its destination.
A source in the Greek government said today, Wednesday, that the agreement requires all ships to leave on the same day.