Iranian navy seizes oil tanker in retaliation for oil theft by U.S.

According to the public relations department of the Iranian Army, the move comes in response to the violation of the Suez Rajan ship in May, during which Iranian oil was stolen by the United States.

The statement said the offending tanker, previously involved in the oil theft under U.S. guidance, was renamed Nicholas ST and intercepted by the Iranian Navy this morning.

Iran says the seizure of the Nicholas ST oil tanker was authorized by a court order.

The army added that the oil tanker is being transferred to the ports of the Islamic Republic for delivery to judicial authorities.

In response to an exclusive question asked by Iran Front Page, the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations has said: “The Iranian Army’s 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.”