Syrian leader taps water resources minister to replace Imad Khamis, whose ouster comes ahead of new US sanctions on any entity or nation doing business with the country

Owners of Stena Impero say it is not clear when sailors will be set free; no word on release of remaining 16 sailors of British-flagged ship

Adrian Darya 1 slows to near-stop in eastern Mediterranean as US maintains Tehran-flagged vessel intends to sell crude oil to Assad regime

Treasury Department says ultimate beneficiary from sale of crude aboard Adrian Darya 1 is Iran's Quds Force, which will use proceeds to 'propagate terrorism'

Sources tell Wall Street Journal ship will likely offload oil to smaller vessels headed for Arab sate -- despite assurances by Tehran and in violation of international sanctions

But Lebanese energy minister claims Adrian Darya 1, which the US wants seized along with its cargo of oil, has not requested permission to dock in his country

Adrian Darya 1 has already twice recently changed its destination as it wanders the Mediterranean Sea carrying shipment allegedly intended for Syria

Foreign ministry spokesman says action against ship which had been held by Gibraltar would be a mistake with grave consequences

Gibraltar authorities reject an eleventh-hour attempt by the United States' to reseize the oil tanker, said to be owned by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Senior officer says move was act of 'stupidity... a trait the American president has in spades and the British to some extent'