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Defying U.S., Gibraltar frees Iran tanker
Why is it in news?
- Gibraltar allowed a detained Iranian supertanker to leave the British overseas territory after a last-minute U.S. attempt to seize the vessel, potentially defusing tensions between London and Tehran.
More in news
- US-Iran rising tensions: Under President Donald Trump, US pulled out of Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers over a year ago, setting in motion a growing confrontation between Tehran and the West over its atomic programme.
- Recent attacks:(1) In past weeks, the Gulf region has seen six attacks on oil tankers that the U.S. has blamed on Iran and the downing of a U.S. surveillance drone by Iranian forces.(2) Iran has denied being behind the tanker attacks, though it has seized other tankers.
- Effects of US withdrawal on Iran:(1) Tensions have escalated in the Gulf.(2) The decision stopped billions of dollars’ worth of business deals, largely halted the sale of Iran’s crude oil internationally and sharply depreciated Iran’s currency, the rial.
Source
The Hindu