Despite Iranian assurances the Stena Impero can leave, the tanker is still being held in the Islamic republic, its owner said Monday.

The 50,000-dwt, 2018-built ship has been held in Iran since mid-July, with Iran teasing its release for several weeks.

"Despite public statements by Iranian authorities over the past three days that judicial proceedings have concluded, and the Stena Impero is free to leave Iran, the vessel remains detained at anchor in Bandar Abbas," said Stena Bulk chief executive Erik Hannell.