Iran has seized the oil tanker Ocean Koi in the Gulf of Oman, claiming it was attempting to disrupt the country's oil exports. The Barbados-flagged vessel was reportedly carrying Iranian oil and has been under US sanctions since February. Following its seizure, the tanker was escorted to the southern coast of Iran and handed over to judicial authorities. This action comes amid heightened tensions in the region, particularly after clashes between US and Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global oil transport. Iran has taken steps to restrict access to this narrow waterway, which is crucial for approximately 20% of the world's oil flows, particularly after the outbreak of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran on February 28.