Iran says MSC Aries vessel seized for 'violating maritime laws'

Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported that a Guards helicopter had boarded the MSC Aries and taken it into Iranian waters

This image made from a video provided to The Associated Press by a Mideast defense official shows a helicopter raid targeting a vessel near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, April 13, 2024. A video seen by The Associated Press shows commandos raiding a ship near the Strait of Hormuz by helicopter Saturday, an attack a Mideast defense official attributed to Iran amid wider tensions between Tehran and the West. | Photo Credit: AP

A Portuguese-flagged cargo ship, the MSC Aries, was seized by Iran on April 13 for "violating maritime laws", Iran's Foreign Ministry said on April 15, adding that there was no doubt the vessel was linked to Israel.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards had seized the freighter in the Strait of Hormuz days after Tehran vowed to retaliate for a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus on April 1. Iran had said it could close the crucial shipping route.

"Iran strives to create a safe shipping environment in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf. The vessel was diverted into Iran's territorial waters as a result of violating maritime laws and not answering calls made by Iranian authorities," spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said.

Iran launched a barrage of missiles and explosive drones late on Saturday in its first direct attack on Israeli territory, a retaliatory strike that Tehran said was self-defence after the bombing of the consulate.

Iran's state-run IRNA news agency reported that a Guards helicopter had boarded the MSC Aries and taken it into Iranian waters.

JUST IN | There are 17 Indians among the 25 crew onboard the Portuguese flagged and #Israel affiliated cargo vessel MSC Aries that was seized by #Iran in the Gulf of Hormuz. Other crew members include, four Filipinos, 2 Pakistanis, one Russian and one Estonian, reports @dperi84.… pic.twitter.com/A6kWEpfUIv

— The Hindu (@the_hindu) April 13, 2024

MSC, which operates the Aries, confirmed Iran had seized the ship and said it was working "with the relevant authorities" for its safe return and the wellbeing of its 25 crew.

MSC leases the Aries from Gortal Shipping, an affiliate of Zodiac Maritime, Zodiac said in a statement, adding that MSC is responsible for all the vessel's activities. Zodiac is partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer.

Tensions have soared across the Middle East since the start of Israel's campaign in Gaza in October, with Israel or its ally the United States clashing repeatedly with Iranian-aligned groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

In response to reports of the seizure of the MSC Aries, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused Iran of piracy and military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said it would "bear consequences for choosing to escalate this situation any further".