At a time when the UN condemns tensions in the Red Sea, Iran hijacks an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman.
The day after a UN resolution condemning tensions in the Red Sea, Iran hijacks an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman.
The tanker came from the Iraqi port of Basra with oil in its holds.
According to Iranian television, the ship was at the heart of a case involving the seizure of Iranian crude oil which had ended up in the hands of an American company.
The crew of the St Nikolas is made up of 11 Filipinos and one Greek national.
The tanker sails under the flag of the Marshall Islands and its owner is based in Athens.
The incident risks escalating tensions in the Red Sea, on the other side of the Arabian Peninsula.
In this region, Yemeni rebels, allies of Iran, are increasing attacks and disrupting commercial maritime traffic.
This Wednesday, several ships en route to the Suez Canal were targeted.
In its resolution, the UN Security Council condemns the increase in Houthi attacks.
Yemeni rebels hijacked Galaxy Leader on November 19.
The UN resolution demands that the Japanese cargo ship be allowed to leave.