Iran Seizes Oil Tanker St Nikolas in Gulf of Oman

Retaliatory action for US's previous confiscation escalates regional tensions, vessel was carrying 145,000 tonnes of oil.

Iran has seized a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker, the St Nikolas, near the Omani port of Sohar, in retaliation for the US's confiscation of the same vessel and its oil last year.
The St Nikolas was carrying 145,000 metric tonnes of oil from the Iraqi port of Basra to Turkey when it was intercepted by Iranian forces.
The US has condemned the seizure, with the White House national security spokesperson stating there was 'no justification whatsoever' for the action and demanding its immediate release.
The seizure has escalated tensions in the Gulf of Oman and threatens maritime security and stability, with potential repercussions for the global oil market.
The St Nikolas was previously known as the Suez Rajan and had its cargo seized by the US last year as part of sanctions enforcement against Iran.