Iran captured the oil tanker St Nikolas (formerly known as Suez Rajan) off the coast of Oman, escalating tensions in a crucial global trade route for crude oil. Iran claims the seizure is in retaliation for the US’s previous confiscation of Iranian oil. This incident adds to the shipping turmoil in the Middle East, particularly with the ongoing attacks on ships in the Red Sea, primarily by Iran-backed Houthi militants.