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Military officials and the owners and operators of the tanker are urgently attempting to make contact with British-flagged tanker which took a sudden turn into Iranian waters, with a UK-owned ship called Mesdar also having been captured. A spokesman for the MoD said: “We are urgently seeking further information and assessing the situation following reports of an incident in the Gulf.” The vessel is British-flagged and Swedish-owned and has been impounded by Iran. READ MORE: USA responds to Iran’s seizure of British oil tanker as Saudi media says SECOND ship held

The tanker was headed for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard base at Qeshm, with Northern Marine, the Clyde-based managers of the Swedish firm Stena AB, confirming aggressive action caused the vessel’s change of direction this afternoon. The ship was on its way to Saudi Arabia. Sources also claim there is a crew of 23 on board. It is not yet known how many of those on board are British. The Times reports the crew have not been in contact with MoD officials in the past hour. Iranian state TV said the tanker “was confiscated by the Revolutionary Guards at the request of Hormozgan Ports and Maritime Organisation when passing through the strait of Hormuz, for failing to respect international maritime rules”.

Iran tensions: Two British oil tankers have been captured by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz

The tanker is called Stena Impero and is reported to have taken a sudden turn into Iranian waters. Maps show the sudden change of movement to be concerning. Images of the ship are now being broadcast on Iranian TV, with the Iranian government confirming the ship is being held. A major emergency Cabinet meeting is currently underway with COBRA officials present.

The sudden change of course of the vessel is deeply concerning

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “I will shortly attend a COBRA meeting to review what we know and what we can do to swiftly secure the release of the two vessels - a British-flagged vessel and a Liberian-flagged vessel. “Their crews comprise a range of nationalities, but we understand there are no British citizens on board either ship. “Our ambassador in Tehran is in contact with the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to resolve the situation and we are working closely with international partners. “These seizures are unacceptable. It is essential that freedom of navigation is maintained and that all ships can move safely and freely in the region.”

The US has responded to Iran’s seizure of the two tankers, with new reports suggesting the Mesdar has been released. The ship is reported to have had a Russian captain. President Donald Trump is expected to address the White House shortly. White House National Security Council spokesman Garrett Marquis the US is aware of reports, adding: "The US will continue to work with our allies and partners to defend our security and interests against Iran's malign behaviour.” President Trump said he will also respond to the aggression from Iran.

The Mesdar has also been seized

In a statement Northern Marine Management said: “Dena Bulk and Northern Marine Management can confirm that at approximately 1600 BST on 19th July UK registered vessel Stena Impero was approached by unidentified small coasts and a helicopter during transit of the Strait o Hormuz while the vessel was in international waters. “There are 23 seafarers aboard. There have been no reported injuries and their safety is of primary concern to both owners and managers. “The priority of both vessel owner Stena Bulk and ship manager Northern Marine Management is the safety and welfare of the crew. “Northern Marine Management has not been able to establish contact with the vessel since it was notified of the incident at approximately 1600 today, 19th July 2019.

Sources also claim there is a crew of 23 on board

“We are in close contact with UK government authorities.” President Trump is speaking on the phone to French President Emmanuel Macron on Iran, AFP reports. Reports on Twitter also claim a second tanker, which is British-owned, has also been seized, which took place 30 minutes after the first was intercepted. The news comes as tensions between Iran and the UK allies the US hit boiling point after a drone from Washington was shot down by Tehran. This came after President Trump stated the US had destroyed Tehran’s aerial weapon in the Strait of Hormuz.

Grace 1 was seized at Gibraltar

Jeremy Hunt has also issued a statement

The US President said the object ignored “multiple calls to stand down” in the Persian Gulf. Tehran’s deputy foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has dismissed the claims and stated the US military has made a “mistake”. Meanwhile the Iranian Revolutionary Guards has threatened to “expose” the US President’s claims and release video footage of the incident. The seizure of an Iranian tanker off the coast of Gibraltar two weeks ago saw Britain become even more involved.

President Trump said the US will protect the UK in a speech