WASHINGTON, January 11. /TASS/. The US calls on Iran to immediately release the St. Nikolas oil tanker and its crew, captured in the Gulf of Oman, US Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesman Vedant Patel said during a press briefing.

"The Iranian government must immediately release the ship and its crew," Patel said.

He called the ship seizure unlawful, and pointed out that Iran’s actions are aimed at "disrupting international commerce."

Meanwhile, Patel did not provide a clear answer which actions the US and its allies may undertake in regards to this situation.

"We will continue to consult closely with our partners in the region about appropriate next steps that can be taken to hold the Iranian regime accountable," the official said.

Previously, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of Greece reported that the St. Nikolas tanker, affiliated with Greece’s Empire Navigation, was captured. Its crew includes a Greek captain and 18 Philippine seamen. According to the Greek media, the tanker was previously used for transportation of sanctioned Iranian oil, after which it was "seized by the US."

Later, the Iranian Navy confirmed that they captured an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman under a court order.