Iran’s navy has seized an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman following “a court order” authorising the move, Iranian state media is reporting.
“The Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran seized an American oil tanker in the waters of the Gulf of Oman in accordance with a court order,” the official IRNA news agency said.
The tanker is carrying Iraqi crude oil and was destined for Turkey.
The action appears to be a retaliation for the seizure last year of the same vessel by the United States, Iranian media reported.
The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker St Nikolas was confiscated for carrying sanctioned Iranian oil in 2023, prompting Iran to warn the US that the action would “not go unanswered”.
Today, the same vessel was boarded by armed intruders as it sailed close to the Omani city of Sohar, according to the British maritime security firm, Ambrey.
Its tracking system was turned off as the vessel was redirected towards the Iranian port of Bandar-e-Jask.
Yesterday, the UN Security Council called for an end to attacks on ships in the Red Sea.
It also demanded that Houthi rebels release a vehicle-carrying vessel they seized in November, the Galaxy Leader, along with its crew.
