Log in
Opinion

Limit damages before it’s too late

There was more than enough evidence showing that the UK and Gibraltar had acted in deliberate violations of international law only in order to appease the US.

Despite the US's request and pressure to extend the detention of Iran's supertanker Grace 1, the British government and that of Gibraltar decided to release it. Gibraltarian authorities also rejected a US warrant to seize the tanker.
 
Iran's supertanker Grace 1
Iran's supertanker Grace 1
In early July, British Royal Marines arrested this Iranian vessel off the coast of Gibraltar on suspicion that it breached the EU’s sanctions on Syria. Some days later, Iranian forces seized the British tanker Stena Impero in the Persian Gulf in retaliation. And the standoff between Iran and the UK escalated.

At first, the UK seized the tanker Grace 1 at the US’s request then the UK and Gibraltar freed it despite the US objection, including claim that this tanker has links with the Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps which the US considers a terrorist force. And despite the fact, too, that the British tanker Stena Impero is still held captive in Iran.

It is no secret that the UK has been until now a very close ally of the US in almost all world affairs. Therefore, that the UK didn't comply with the US request concerning the fate of the seized Iranian tanker could only be something it had to do even though it was unwilling to. Releasing this tanker was the only way the UK can limit facial and political damages caused by the capture of this tanker without any plausible legitimation.

The UK explained the seizure of the tanker as it suspiciously breached the EU's sanctions on Syria without presenting any proof while there was more than enough evidence showing that the UK and Gibraltar had acted in deliberate violations of international law only in order to appease the US. That the EU remains silent instead of publicly showing political support for the UK is a convincing proof that the UK was more wrong than right with the capture of this Iranian tanker. And the longer this tanker was held captive by the UK and Gibraltar, the bigger the damages for Britain and Gibraltar would be. That is why Britain and Gibraltar must try to salvage themselves before it becomes too late and not sacrifice themselves for the US' interests.

Both the UK and the US were dealt a significant setback. The US will hardly succeed with its attempt to form a worldwide anti-Iran alliance; and the so-called "tanker war", that is, using the capture of each other's tankers as ways to carry out confrontations, will be averted.
Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Stop mourning for Shark Jaw building, it is not a legacy

Stop mourning for Shark Jaw building, it is not a legacy

Welcome to Words on the Street, where we explore the pulse of Hanoi's changing face. As "Shark Jaw" prepares to collapse, we shouldn’t feel sorry for its demolition, as it’s neither a legacy nor a piece of cultural heritage in Hanoi. We need to put it down so our city can develop a breath of fresh air.

Unlocking AI’s potential in Vietnam’s public sector: Challenges and solutions

Unlocking AI’s potential in Vietnam’s public sector: Challenges and solutions

Do Thanh Huyen, Policy Analyst and Program Manager at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Vietnam, spoke to The Hanoi Times about the current state of AI adoption in the public sector and proposed key solutions to enhance its effectiveness.

How Vietnam’s green tourism can begin and grow

How Vietnam’s green tourism can begin and grow

Experts urge real action, shared responsibility, and steady investment to turn green tourism from awareness into scalable, sustainable transformation in Vietnam

Hanoi struggles to relocate polluting factories

Hanoi struggles to relocate polluting factories

Hanoi has made efforts to relocate industrial factories which play the key factor in polluting the air but there remains challenges facing the city.

Underage motorcyclists: Crime parents can no longer ignore

Underage motorcyclists: Crime parents can no longer ignore

Welcome to Words on the Street, where we dive into everyday dilemmas. In Vietnam, a mother was recently sentenced to six months in prison for allowing her juvenile child to drive and cause a serious accident. This ruling sets a tough but necessary precedent: parents can no longer ignore their legal responsibilities.

Luxury broke: Living large on an empty wallet

Luxury broke: Living large on an empty wallet

Welcome to Words on the Street, where we dive into the realities behind modern trends. A number of young people are spending beyond their means to maintain a luxury lifestyle. Is this a sign of empowerment or a financial disaster in the making?

Hanoi's Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square redevelopment: Mega-project in need of full public support

Hanoi's Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square redevelopment: Mega-project in need of full public support

Once complete, the new public area will become a popular venue for cultural activities on weekends, national holidays, and important events in Hanoi.

Foreign ads disrespecting Vietnam's sovereignty can backfire

Foreign ads disrespecting Vietnam's sovereignty can backfire

We will not accept any brands that come and operate in Vietnam but disrespect our sovereignty and national rights. Show us some respect and you'll earn local consumers' trust.