Iranian state-media IRNA reports a Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) special forces unit dropped out of a helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday and captured the MSC Aries. The Portuguese-flagged cargo ship is operated by London-based Zodiac Maritime, a part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer’s Zodiac Group. The helicopter reportedly used was a Soviet-era Mil Mi-17 helicopter, which both Iran and its proxies have used in the past to raid ships.
In response, IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari warned Iran that it would bear the consequences for its actions.
“Iran will bear the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further,” he said. “We have increased our readiness to protect Israel from further Iranian aggression. We are also prepared to respond.”
Tensions in the region have been high following an alleged Israeli air strike that killed a top Iranian commander. On Friday, President Joe Biden told reporters he expects Iran to retaliate “sooner than later” but warned them of making such a costly mistake. Reports suggest Iran has devised multiple ways to retaliate against Israel, but it does not want to risk provoking the United States into a broader regional war.
