Irna reports that the ship Aries is being taken into Iranian waters and indicates that the ship is owned by Israeli interests. A few hours later, the ship’s operator, the Italian-Swiss shipping company MSC, confirms that the Iranian authorities were behind the boarding.
According to the shipping company, there were 25 crew members on board, and MSC says they are “working with the relevant authorities” to ensure that the crew is fine and that the vessel returns safely.
– The ship has now been directed towards Iranian waters, says MSC in a statement.
Israel’s foreign minister: – In violation of international law
Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz condemns the incident, and calls on the EU to introduce new sanctions against Iran.
– Ayatollah Khamenei’s regime is a criminal regime that supports Hamas and is now committing pirate operations in violation of international law, he writes X.
He also asks the EU to label Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization.
Spokesman Daniel Hagari for Israel’s army (IDF) says that Iran must take the consequences of what they call an escalation of the conflict in the region.
Irna: The ship can be linked to an Israeli billionaire
British military officials previously announced the attack and said “regional authorities” were behind the hijacking, which took place outside Fujairah.
The British military provided the AP news agency with a video showing armed commandos rappelling down from a helicopter onto a stack of containers on the deck of the ship.
The AP writes that the helicopter is similar to the helicopters used by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, and a military expert cited by the AP places the responsibility on Iran.
Irna says the ship is the Portuguese container ship Aries. It can be linked to London-based Zodiac Maritime, a company owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer. The boat was last seen on Friday off Dubai heading for the Strait of Hormuz.
Increased tension in the region
The episode comes as tensions are at a peak between Iran and Israel following an attack on Iran’s embassy in Syria that Israel is accused of being behind. It is expected that Iran will come up with a reaction against Israel at any time.
On Tuesday, the head of the Revolutionary Guard’s navy said that Iran could close the Strait of Hormuz if they think it is necessary.
A significant part of the world’s oil is transported to the rest of the world through the Strait of Hormuz, which lies between Iran and the Emirates.
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2024-04-14 03:29:25