In Tehran, Iran, tensions escalate as Iranian armed forces intercept a container ship near the strategic Strait of Hormuz following a deadly attack on Iran’s consulate in Syria by Israel.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) took control of the vessel, identified as the Portugal-flagged MSC Aries, associated with Zodiac Maritime, a company owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer.
Footage captured soldiers descending from a helicopter onto the ship, believed to be a Soviet-designed Mil Mi-17 operated by the IRGC naval forces.
MSC, the Italian-Swiss shipping group, confirmed the presence of 25 crew members on board and assured cooperation with authorities for their safety and the vessel’s return.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported the seizure of the ship by “regional authorities” northeast of Fujairah, a crucial trade route.
Another Israeli-linked ship was recently targeted by a drone in the Indian Ocean, attributed to Iran by the United States.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz condemned Iran’s actions as a “pirate operation” violating international law, urging the EU and the global community to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
Post from www.aljazeera.com