"Iran Seizes Oil Tanker in Gulf of Oman Amid U.S. Dispute"

Iran seizes the oil tanker St. Nikolas in the Gulf of Oman, previously involved in a U.S.-Iran dispute over carrying sanctioned crude, after it surrendered Iranian oil to U.S. authorities. The vessel, staffed by 18 Philippine and one Greek crew members, was en route to Turkey after loading crude from the Iraqi Basrah Oil Terminal. The incident adds to maritime tensions in the region, with Yemen's Houthi movement targeting commercial vessels, and comes amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions following the Israel-Hamas conflict. Oil prices are sensitive to Middle East turmoil, with Brent futures up to $78.03 per barrel and Nymex WTI higher at $72.62 per barrel.