Oil Tanker Held by Iran for Over a Year Safely Reaches International Waters

An oil tanker held by Iran for over a year has reached international waters, according to tracking data. The Marshall Islands-flagged Advantage Sweet was seized in April 2023 while carrying $50 million worth of oil from Kuwait for Chevron Corp. It travelled through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global oil trade.

Tracking data analysed by The Associated Press revealed that the Advantage Sweet had been unloaded during its detention in Iran. The vessel's listed destination is Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates, a common first stop for ships released from Iranian custody. Iran has not acknowledged the ship's departure.

Iranian Court Orders US Compensation

On Thursday, an Iranian court ordered the US government to pay over $6.7 billion in compensation. This ruling followed a Swedish company's halt in supplying special dressings and bandages for a rare skin disorder due to US sanctions on Iran. The court's decision was linked to the seizure of the Advantage Sweet.

The state-run IRNA news agency reported that the $6.7 billion order was filed on behalf of 300 plaintiffs, including victims' families and those affected physically and emotionally. About 20 patients died after the Swedish company stopped its supply.

Background on Epidermolysis Bullosa

Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare genetic condition causing painful blisters on the body and eyes. Those affected, often referred to as "butterfly children," have skin as fragile as butterfly wings. The disease can be fatal, especially for young sufferers.

The US has issued rulings demanding billions from Iran over attacks linked to Tehran and detentions used in negotiations. In response, Iran has filed competing lawsuits against the US, including accusations of involvement in a 2017 Islamic State group attack.

Impact of US-Iran Tensions

The United Nations' highest court rejected Iran's bid to free up $2 billion in frozen Central Bank assets last year. In 2018, then-President Donald Trump withdrew the US from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal, leading to increased tensions and economic sanctions.

Chevron stated that the Advantage Sweet was "seized under false pretenses" and has written off the cargo as a loss. The withdrawal from the nuclear deal ended an accord where Tehran limited uranium enrichment in exchange for lifting economic sanctions.

Recent Attacks and Seizures

The US Navy has blamed Iran for several attacks on vessels, including limpet mine attacks in 2019 and a fatal drone attack on an Israeli-linked tanker in 2021. Tehran denies these allegations, but a shadow war between Iran and the West continues in regional waters.

Iranian tanker seizures have been ongoing since 2019, with the last major incident involving two Greek tankers seized in May 2022 and released in November that year. Recently, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have targeted vessels in the Red Sea amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

A new US military report indicates that Houthis likely fired an Iranian-made anti-ship cruise missile at a Norwegian-flagged tanker in December. This attack provides evidence linking Tehran to ongoing rebel campaigns against shipping.

The recent election of reformist President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian may influence future relations with the West. He has pledged to improve diplomatic ties, which could impact ongoing maritime tensions and legal disputes between Iran and other nations.