Iran’s Foreign Ministry declared that its recent seizure of a cargo ship linked to Israel was due to the vessel’s violation of maritime laws.
“The vessel was diverted into Iran’s territorial waters as a result of violating maritime laws and not answering calls made by Iranian authorities,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani.
Hours before Iran launched an attack on Israel, IRGC special forces dropped down from a helicopter on Saturday and seized the MSC Aries in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. The MSC Aries, flying under a Portuguese flag, is operated by London-based Zodiac Maritime, which is part of the Zodiac Group owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer.
Kanaani also announced that officials from India might soon be visiting the 17 Indian crewmembers onboard the ship.
“We are following up on the details of the seized ship, and soon, the representatives of the Indian government will be able to meet with the crew,” Kanaani said without mentioning a timeline.
Meanwhile, NBC News reports that Iran-backed Houthi ships are disrupting global trade by attacking vessels in the Red Sea, causing several major shipping companies and oil transporters to stop to take a 14-day longer route around Africa to reach the Indian Ocean.
