Iran seized the MSC ARIES vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. The tanker belongs to an Israeli businessman's company, according to the Times of Israel and the Associated Press.
In a video released by the Associated Press, it shows the fleet of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seizing the container ship MSC ARIES. The footage shows militants conducting a raid on the ship using a helicopter.
Video purportedly from the IRGC boarding of the Israeli-linked MSC ARIES container ship in the Strait of Hormuz. pic.twitter.com/UXOS2EuxKU
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) April 13, 2024
As reported by the media, the MSC ARIES ship sails under the flag of Portugal. The tanker is associated with the London-based company Zodiac Maritime, which is part of the Zodiac Group owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused Iran of piracy after Iranian forces seized the tanker.
"I call on the European Union and the free world to immediately declare the Iranian [Islamic] Revolutionary Guards Corps as a terrorist organization and to sanction Iran now," he said.
The last time an Israeli ship was spotted near Dubai, it was heading to the Strait of Hormuz. The crew of the container ship turned off tracking data, which was common for Israeli ships passing through the region.
It is worth noting that the Strait of Hormuz is a strategically important waterway connecting the Gulf of Oman with the Persian Gulf. The northern coast belongs to Iran, while the southern coast belongs to the United Arab Emirates and Musandam, an exclave of Oman.
Escalation between Iran and Israel
On April 1, as a result of a missile strike on the Syrian capital, the building of the Iranian consulate was completely destroyed. At least seven Iranians were killed, including two generals.
Iran accused Israel of the attack and promised a "harsh" response. Israel, in turn, warned Iran that in case of an attack from its territory, the country will retaliate.
Western media reports that Iran is preparing for an attack, which could happen in the coming days. According to CNN, the US is monitoring the movement of weapons on Iranian territory.
For more details on the reasons for the conflict, read the material from RBC-Ukraine.