In the latest provocative maritime measure undertaken in the Middle East, the Iranian Navy seized an oil tanker from which cargo was previously seized by the United States as retribution for Iran's disregard of international concerns over its nuclear program.
The vessel was involved in a years-long dispute in which the U.S. Justice Department ruled that Iran was to forfeit 1 million barrels of oil. This action from the Iranian Navy comes months after the Houthi rebels, who are alleged to have ties with Iran, began attacking ships in the Red Sea.
On Tuesday, the rebels launched what observers called their most ambitious attack yet when they fired drones and missiles at various targets. This has raised concerns that the United States-led task force now patrolling the Red Sea. Both British and American officials warned of possible consequences for the Houthis because of this action.
Iran's state-run media acknowledged the undertaking by their navy. According to ABC News, armed men boarded and seized the vessel. The St. Nikolas, which was previously named by the Suez Rajan, was crewed by 18 Filipinos and one Greek national.
The "seizure of the oil tanker does not constitute hijacking; rather, it is a lawful undertaking sanctioned by a court order and corresponds to the theft of Iran's very own oil," Iran's mission to the United Nations told The Associated Press in a statement. "Adhering to the established legal procedures is the most prudent approach for the resolution of this matter."
The British announced the seizure began early in the morning in the waters between Oman and Iran in an area where ships enter and exit the Strait of Hormuz.
A fifth of all oil reportedly moves through this region. Shipping in the waters near Iran has been contentious since the collapse of Iran's nuclear deal in 2019. The Iranian Navy and the United States Navy have had several standoffs in the region as well.
The Houthis have said their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea are in support of Palestinians. but they have target ships that have minimal or no ties to Israel at all.
