Reports emerged of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seizing a cargo vessel with Israeli ties in the Strait of Hormuz. Among the crew onboard, 17 are Indian nationals. Government sources revealed that diplomatic efforts are underway between Indian and Iranian authorities in Tehran and New Delhi to ensure the safety, well-being, and prompt release of the Indian crew members.
The vessel, MSC Aries, was enroute to Mumbai’s port of Nhava Sheva, associated with Zodiac Maritime, a company owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer. The ship’s tracking data was turned off after its last known location near Dubai, as is common practice for Israeli-affiliated vessels in the region.
In response to the incident, Israel issued a stern warning, indicating that Iran would face repercussions for escalating tensions in the region. Israel’s military spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, emphasized in a video statement the potential consequences of Iran’s actions.
Iranian authorities later confirmed the seizure, stating that the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) commandos conducted a heliborne operation to redirect the vessel to Iranian waters. The IRGC indicated that the ship was being directed towards Iran’s territorial waters.
The incident unfolds amidst heightened tensions between Iran and the West, particularly following the suspected Israeli strike on the Iranian Consulate in Syria. Additionally, the wider Middle East region remains on edge following Israel’s recent conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.