According to official Iranian media, on Saturday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted a helicopter-borne assault to seize an Israeli-related container ship in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the MEHR News Agency, the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries was captured by IRGC forces who fast-roped onto the ship’s deck from a helicopter at approximately 2:50 a.m. UTC time. The vessel was then rerouted to Iranian waters.
According to a post on X, the U.K. Maritime Trade Organization reported that the attack took place around 50 nautical miles northeast of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. The incident occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a vital link between the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean.
The Mediterranean Shipping Company, an Italian-Swiss shipping company, has officially confirmed that the ship that was captured is the Aries. This ship had 25 crew members on board. Company officials have stated that they are collaborating with the relevant authorities to ensure the well-being of the crew and the safe return of the vessel.
The Israeli airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Damascus on April 1 resulted in the death of 16 individuals, including seven members of the IRGC. The seizure of the ship occurred 12 days after this tragic event.
Iran has vowed to seek revenge against the United States, while the United States has issued a warning to Israel regarding a potential attack. In light of this, government employees and their families have been prohibited from traveling to Israel.
The Israel Defense Forces have issued a warning, stating that they are remaining vigilant for any potential threats following the seizure of the ship.
According to a video post on X, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, spokesman for the IDF, stated that Iran will face consequences for its decision to further escalate the situation. He emphasized that Israel is on high alert and has enhanced its readiness to safeguard against any additional acts of Iranian aggression.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, every year, ships carrying over 20% of the global oil supply pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
