TEHRAN: Iranian authorities have confiscated the American cargo of an oil tanker seized last year after US-led sanctions hindered the entry of medication into the Islamic Republic, the judiciary confirmed on Wednesday.
The Marshall Islands-flagged Advantage Sweet was held in April 2023 while navigating the Gulf of Oman, a critical route for the oil industry. The vessel, chartered by Chevron Corp, had loaded oil from Kuwait and was en route to Texas before being seized, as reported by an Advantage Tankers spokesperson at the time.
According to the Iranian judiciary’s Mizan Online website, a Tehran court issued an order for the seizure of the American oil cargo aboard the Advantage Sweet, estimated to be valued at more than $50 million. The timing of the court order’s issuance was not immediately disclosed.
US Sanctions Against Iran
The seizure of the oil cargo is purportedly in response to the “sanctions of Western countries, especially the United States, which resulted in the obstruction of the sale of medications required for epidermolysis bullosa patients.”
Since the US withdrawal from the 2018 nuclear deal, Iran has faced severe US sanctions, significantly impacting its economy and access to essential goods and services. A 2021 report by United Nations experts highlighted the detrimental impact of sanctions on individuals suffering from epidermolysis bullosa, a rare and life-threatening skin condition.
The report noted the cessation of shipments to Iran by a Swedish bandage company, which provided crucial treatment for the disease, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
In January, the US military disclosed that Iran was holding hostage five ships and over 90 crew members from vessels seized nearly a year prior.
