{"id":8617,"date":"2024-01-11T22:59:04","date_gmt":"2024-01-11T17:29:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/asia.businessupturn.com\/?p=8617"},"modified":"2024-01-11T22:59:04","modified_gmt":"2024-01-11T17:29:04","slug":"iran-seizes-oil-tanker-as-tensions-rise-in-gulf-of-oman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.businessupturn.com\/asia\/middle-east-asia\/iran\/iran-seizes-oil-tanker-as-tensions-rise-in-gulf-of-oman\/8617\/","title":{"rendered":"Iran seizes oil tanker as tensions rise in Gulf of Oman"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a recent rise of geopolitical tensions, Iran has seized an oil tanker carrying Iraqi crude destined for Turkey, according to Iranian state media reports. The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, St Nikolas, was boarded by armed intruders near the Omani city of Sohar. This incident appears to be a retaliatory move by Iran for the seizure of the same vessel by the United States last year.<\/span><\/p>\n

The St Nikolas, previously confiscated by the U.S. for transporting Iranian oil, had its AIS tracking system turned off as it headed toward the Iranian port of Bandar-e-Jask. The vessel was seized by the United States in 2023 under the name Suez Rajan, with allegations that Iran\u2019s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was attempting to transport contraband Iranian oil to China in violation of U.S. sanctions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Iran had previously warned of consequences following the U.S. seizure, and the recent action seems to fulfil that promise. Despite the confusion in Iranian media labelling the vessel as American, the ship in question is the same one seized by the U.S. in 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n

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In 2023, the United States confiscated the vessel named Suez Rajan over allegations that Iran\u2019s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was attempting to transport prohibited Iranian oil to China, thereby violating U.S. sanctions.