Looks like the Russian sanctions extended to Iran in this case. I see that the Americans are now trying to focus on Iranian oil tankers outside Iran's sphere of influence, especially after Iran took back that one tanker a few months back. If they were smart they would be trying to figure out a way to remove the sanctions on Iran, rather than messing around like this. After all Venezuela doesn't have the necessary capacity. Iran however can pump out an extra 1 million barrels within a few months, which would help stabilize surging prices.
U.S. seizes Iranian oil cargo near Greek island - sources
LONDON/ATHENS (Reuters) -The United States has confiscated Iranian oil held on a Russian-operated ship near Greece and will send the cargo to the United States aboard another vessel, three sources familiar with the matter said. It was unclear whether the cargo was impounded because it was...www.yahoo.com