Iran’s state-run The IRNA news agency reported on Saturday that the Iranian Revolutionary Guards had seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Out of the 25 crew members on the ship seized by Iran, 17 are Indians. India is already in touch with the Iranian authorities to ensure security, welfare, and the early release of the Indians, official sources said on Wednesday, as reported by news agencies. “We are aware that the cargo ship ‘MSC Aries’ has been taken over by Iran. We have learned that there are 17 Indian nationals onboard,” said a source.
The vessel, identified as the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries, was boarded by a Guards helicopter and directed into Iranian waters. The MSC Aries is leased by the international shipping line MSC from Gortal Shipping, an affiliate of Zodiac Maritime, which is partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer. The incident escalates tensions between Iran and Israel, following recent clashes in Syria and ongoing regional unrest.
Another Israeli-linked container ship was attacked by a drone in the Indian Ocean in late November, which the United States blamed on Iran.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a post on X that the move by Iran was “a pirate operation in violation of international law”. He called on the European Union and “the free world to immediately declare” the IRGC a “terrorist organization and to sanction Iran now”.
Past Incidents
Last week, an airstrike by Israel hit the Iranian consulate in Damascus, killing at least seven Iranians, including two generals. Iranian authorities have condemned recent Israeli airstrikes in Syria and warned the US to stay out of the conflict with Israel, as Iran said it’s prepared for war against Israel, resulting in growing concerns in the Biden administration.
US President Joe Biden warned Iran against attacking Israel, stating his expectation of such actions occurring “sooner rather than later.” Biden issued a cautionary “Don’t,” when asked if he had a message for Iran.
The US military is transferring extra military forces to the Middle East in preparation for a possible Iranian reaction to Israel’s attack on the Syrian embassy. According to The Wall Street Journal, which quoted anonymous US sources, this involves the relocation of two destroyers—one already in the region and another that has been redirected there.
Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari stated that “Iran funds, trains, and arms terror proxies across the Middle East and beyond”, adding that the Islamic republic doesn’t just threaten the people of Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria”, but “fuels the war in Ukraine and beyond”. He emphasized Israel’s high alert status and preparedness to respond to any Iranian aggression.
Israel and US
Despite mounting international condemnation, the United States has supported Israel with thousands of bombs and ammunition since the crisis in Gaza started on October 7, after Hamas-led assaults on Israel. The US has also begun deploying warships and troops to the region.
Last week, President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the possibility of an Iranian retaliation attack. The United States and Israel have maintained constant communication since their talk, according to a senior administration source reported by NBC News. The US is keeping a tight eye out for any big reprisal from Iran against the US or Israel.
CNN stated, citing top US and Israeli sources, that an Iranian assault is “inevitable.” Neither government is confident when or how Iran will respond to the attacks by Israel.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has vowed retaliation for the attacks on Iranian soil, with the seizure of the MSC Aries potentially signaling Iran’s response.
Israel’s military spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, cautioned Iran against further escalation, warning of consequences. Meanwhile, Iran’s naval head of the Revolutionary Guards, Alireza Tangsiri, reiterated Iran’s capability to close the Strait of Hormuz if deemed necessary.
The situation exacerbates existing regional problems, as Yemen’s Houthi group targets shipping in the Red Sea. The Joint Maritime Information Center has encouraged ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz to exercise caution, emphasizing the area’s importance as a major energy corridor.
