Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized the MSC Aries in the Gulf, which had 17 Indian nationals on board. Indian officials are coordinating with Iranian authorities to ensure the safety, welfare, and prompt release of the Indian crew, according to official sources on Wednesday.
The MSC Aries, a cargo ship, was intercepted by Iranian authorities, with the operation occurring near the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian reports indicate the ship was directed towards Iran’s territorial waters after being boarded via helicopter. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway linking the Gulf with the Indian Ocean, witnesses significant global oil traffic annually.
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The vessel, identified as a Portuguese-flagged container ship, is operated by the Italian-Swiss group MSC. MSC leases the Aries from Gortal Shipping, linked to Zodiac Maritime, partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer.
This incident unfolds against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Iran has referred to the ship as associated with the “zionist regime.” India, meanwhile, has issued a travel advisory cautioning its nationals against travel to Iran or Israel and urging those in these countries to register with Indian Embassies.
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