Iran: 'There are diplomatic solutions' for seized UK tanker - Govt. spokesperson

*SINGLE SHOT AT SOURCE*
SOT, Ali Rabiei, Iranian government spokesperson (Farsi): "We still believe that there are also diplomatic solutions to deal with this problem [seized British tanker]. Unfortunately, we have got used to this old custom of the US and the UK that if they themselves take an action, it is fair and just. But if we take a legal action - which is not out of vengeance but rather to ascertain the country’s sovereignty on its waters - it is unfair and unjust. The world is also used to this and it's been years now that we hear a country announcing sanctions and then following these sanctions with force and bullying."
SCRIPT
Despite escalating tensions between Iran and the UK over the latter’s seized oil tanker in the Persian Gulf, Tehran is still seeking "diplomatic solutions" to resolve the issue, according to Iranian government spokesperson Ali Rabiei speaking in Tehran on Monday.
"We still believe that there are also diplomatic solutions to deal with this problem," said Rabiei who criticised London and Washington for their double standards on the global scene.
"If they themselves take an action, it is fair and just. But if we take a legal action, it is unfair and unjust,” added Rabiei who said in seizing the British-flagged oil tanker, Iran had sought to ascertain its sovereignty on its territorial waters.
On Monday, London called for its European allies to form a "maritime protection mission" in the Strait of Hormuz in response to Iran’s actions.
According to an Iranian state-run news agency, the Stena Impero tanker seized on Friday was using the exit lane to enter into the Strait of Hormuz, almost colliding with other vessels