Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has confirmed that it seized a container ship belonging to an Israeli businessman near the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions.
“The ship named MSC Aries was seized by the IRGC maritime unit in a special helicopter operation,” the state news agency IRNA announced today, confirming earlier reports.
The report said the Portuguese-flagged ship was headed towards Iran’s territorial waters.
Media houses Channel 14 and Times of Israel announced that the ship MSC Aries was seized in the Strait of Hormuz while sailing under the Portuguese flag, and it belongs to the Zodiac Maritime shipping company owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer.
On the other hand, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operation (UKMTO) also stated in a statement that a ship was seized in the area, without giving details.
“Regional authorities have reported that the vessel has been seized. “Vessels are advised to proceed with caution and report any suspicious activity,” the UKMTO statement said.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region and speculation of an imminent military strike by Iran against Israel in response to an attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria earlier this month.
At least 13 people were killed in the attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, including seven Iranian military advisers, which Iranian authorities blamed on Israel.
Among those killed were General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, the senior commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Syria and Lebanon, and his deputy, General Hadi Haj Rahemi.
After the attack, top Iranian and military leaders warned of a decisive response, and there was speculation on Friday that a retaliatory strike would take place in less than 48 hours.
Addressing an Eid al-Fitr rally in Tehran on Wednesday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei renewed his threat of retaliation, saying Israel “will be punished” for the attack, AA writes.
