This undated photo shows the Panamanian-flagged oil tanker MT Riah (AP photo)

Nine Indian crew members of a Panamanian-flagged oil tanker, MT Riah, seized by Iranian Coast Guard have been released, the government said on Friday. However, three other Indian nationals on board the same tanker and 18 more with British-flagged oil tanker Stena Impero , which too was seized by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz for alleged violation of international maritime rules, remain in the custody of Iranian authorities.

"MT Riah was detained along with 12 Indian crew members by the Iranian Coast Guard on July 13. Nine crew members have been released and they will be on their way to India soon. Our mission in Iran has requested the Iranian authorities for the release of the remaining crew members," Raveesh Kumar , ministry of external affairs spokesperson, said.

The Indian embassy in Tehran got consular access to the 18 Indians who were on board Stena Impero on Thursday. Also, agency reports said 24 Indian crew members, who were on board Iranian oil tanker Grace 1 which was detained by Gibraltar police, are also under detention.

The vessels have been seized amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the US since Washington began reimposing sanctions on Tehran.

Indian officials have met the 24 Indian crew members who were on board Grace 1 and assured them that the government would take necessary steps to ensure their release and repatriation, the external affairs ministry said.

Grace 1 was seized off the Spanish coast earlier this month by British marines and Gibraltar police.

