Jan 12 (Reuters) - Iran has "secretly released" a Greek-owned tanker it seized for two years, monitoring service Tanker Trackers said in a post on X on Monday. It did not provide further details. (
Iran Reportedly Releases Greek Tanker St. Nikolas After Seizure
Iran's Release of the St. Nikolas Tanker
Jan 12 (Reuters) - Iran appears to have released the St. Nikolas, a Greek-owned Suezmax tanker it seized in January 2024, vessel monitoring service Tanker Trackers said on Monday.
Background of the Seizure
Iran seized the tanker, which was carrying Iraqi crude destined for Turkey, in retaliation for the 2023 U.S. confiscation of the same vessel and its oil, Iranian state media reported at the time.
U.S. Involvement and Sanctions
The U.S. seizure of St. Nikolas was part of a sanctions enforcement operation. At the time, the ship was sailing under a different name, Suez Rajan. Iran had warned the U.S. that its move would "not go unanswered".
Current Status of the Vessel
Reuters could not immediately contact the ship owner. Its manager did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
(Reporting by Parisa Hafezi, Lisa Baertlein, Arathy Somasekhar and Marianna Parraga; Editing by Nia Williams and Lisa Shumaker)
