Staff Reports
In a daring act of aggression, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps terrorists raided the Greek-owned tanker, “St. Nikolas,” in the Sea of Oman. This brazen attack is directly linked to the US enforcement action against Iranian sanctions-busting operations earlier this year. It’s clear that Iran is testing the resolve of the United States under the weak leadership of President Biden.
Iranians Claim They Had a 'Judicial Order' to Pirate a US Protected Ship in International Waters https://t.co/RT3FrfdkGy
— Heather O'Brien Pronouns: Told/You/So ? #? (@Heat005498) January 11, 2024
In the early hours of the morning, armed men boarded the St. Nikolas, located only 50 nautical miles east of Sohar, Oman. Communication was swiftly lost, and the ship mysteriously changed course towards Iranian waters. It is now confirmed that the vessel is making its way to the Iranian port of Bandar-e-Jask.
The St. Nikolas was carrying about 1 million barrels of Iraqi oil, bound from Basra to Aliaga in Turkey. This Greek-owned tanker, belonging to Empire Navigation, has a convoluted history. In 2022, the vessel was chartered and given the name Suez Rajan, which was involved in evading US sanctions on Iranian oil. The US took decisive action and seized the ship near Singapore. However, much to the dismay of the Iranians, the St. Nikolas ended up back in the hands of Empire Navigation, now under a new name.
The Iranian spokesperson proudly announced their seizure of the St. Nikolas, claiming it was a justified response to the US theft of Iranian oil. This statement reveals the audacity of Iran’s actions and their complete disregard for international law. By seizing a vessel under a “judicial order,” they are undermining the sovereignty of the Marshall Islands, which has a special relationship with the United States. As conservatives, we believe that a strong response is necessary to protect our allies and send a clear message to Iran.
This incident highlights the failure of Joe Biden’s foreign policy, which aims to revive the disastrous nuclear deal with Iran. Instead of projecting strength and protecting US interests, Biden has shown weakness in the face of Iranian aggression. His administration’s policy of appeasement has emboldened Iran’s proxies to attack US troops and has even involved a questionable $6 billion payment to release hostages.
It’s clear that Iran’s audacious seizure of the St. Nikolas is a direct result of Biden’s weak leadership. This incident could lead to an armed confrontation or further Iranian adventurism, all of which weaken America’s standing on the world stage. As conservatives, we demand a strong response from President Biden to protect our interests and ensure that Iran understands the consequences of its actions. The safety and security of our allies, such as the Marshall Islands, must be prioritized over appeasement and empty promises.
