US in Talks with Marshall Islands Officials over Cargo Ship Seized by Iran

The US is in communications with officials from the Marshall Islands to determine the best peaceful solution to the problem with the container ship Maersk Tigris detained by Iran at the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Marie Harf, Spokesperson for the United States Department of State, the US hopes that the problem will be settled by diplomatic means.

The captain of the Marshall Islands cargo ship, which is chartered by Danish company Maersk Line, is a Bulgarian national, according to the BGNES news agency.

Harf confirmed at a press briefing on Wednesday that the Marshall Islands had requested U.S. assistance in securing the vessel’s release.

“Our understanding is that as of this morning, the Maersk Tigris remains in the custody of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy. It is currently anchored off the northeast coast of Larak Island, Iran. We’re continuing to monitor the situation. As we’ve said, we have not received any reports of injuries to crew members,” she declared.

She said no Americans were aboard the seized ship.

Under agreements with the Marshall Islands, the U.S. “has full authority and responsibility” for security and defense matters, Harf said, “including vessels flying their flag.”

Harf said the U.S. was in talks with officials of the Marshall Islands and of the shipping company about the best possible solution to the problem.

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