Iranian officials have threatened to seize 'a British tanker' in response to the arrest of VLCC Grace 1 in Gibraltar last week, allegedly carrying Iranian crude to Syria.
On Thursday morning the Royal Navy said it foiled an attempt by Iranian boats to accost the Suezmax British Heritage near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Revolutionary Guards have denied responsibility, according to the Fars news agency. But, as the ownership structure and business dealings of British Heritage shows, many interests can control a vessel engaged in international trade.
Read more: Iran: The Release of the Tanker is in all Countries' Interest
