Pompeo: Release of Iranian tanker 'very unfortunate'

WASHINGTON, Aug 20 (MENA) - US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed frustration over the "very unfortunate" decision to release an Iranian tanker held off Gibraltar, in an implicit rebuke to ally Britain.

"It’s very unfortunate that that ship was released," Pompeo told Fox News when asked if the move was a mistake by the British.

He added Revolutionary Guards will have "more resources to continue their terror campaign" if Iran profits from tanker's oil cargo.

The British overseas territory rejected a US demand to seize the vessel, which has since departed Gibraltar and entered international waters.

On July 4, Gibraltar seized the Grace 1 on suspicion it was transporting oil to Syria in breach of European Union sanctions, triggering a sharp deterioration in relations between Tehran and London. Iran has repeatedly denied any violations.