THE Iranian navy has seized the American-owned 158,573-dwt Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker St Nikolas in the Gulf of Oman, reports Iran's IRNA news agency.
En route from Iraq to Turkey with crude oil, the vessel was allegedly seized in retaliation for a similar action by the US last year.
IRNA accuses the US-ordered St Nikolas of stealing Iranian oil, leading to a year-long dispute.
The US, denouncing it as an "illegal seizure," demands the immediate release of the vessel and its crew.
The incident, near the Strait of Hormuz, raises concerns about regional tensions.
Armed men boarded the tanker off Oman's coast, altering its course towards Iran, as reported by the maritime security company Ambrey.
TankerTrackers.com reveals the captured tanker's history of transporting oil from Iraq, previously delivering Iranian oil under international sanctions.
Amidst these events, Houthi rebels in Yemen are attacking ships in the Red Sea, prompting the US and allies to consider a response.
The situation is further complicated by its connection to the Gaza conflict.
Since 2019, the US and its allies have seized Iranian oil cargoes, escalating tensions in the Middle East.
This latest incident adds complexity to regional situations, potentially impacting international relations and maritime security.
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