Iran seizes ship linked to Israeli billionaire amid escalating tensions
What's the story
Iran's Revolutionary Guards have seized control of a container ship linked to Israel near the Strait of Hormuz, which is between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The vessel in question is the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries, a container ship associated with Zodiac Maritime of London. Zodiac Maritime is part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer's Zodiac Group. A video first seen by The Associated Press showed commandos raiding a ship near the waterway by helicopter.
Context
Why does this story matter?
This incident comes days after Iran threatened to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic. Tensions between Iran and Israel have been on the rise ever since an airstrike by suspected Israeli warplanes hit the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1. The airstrike killed seven Iranians, including two generals of the Quds Force. On Tuesday, naval head of Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Alireza Tangsiri said Iran viewed Israel's presence in the United Arab Emirates as a threat.
Seizure documentation
Images and audio capture dramatic seizure scene
Images shared by a Mideast defense official show commandos descending from a helicopter onto the ship's deck. The audio captured at the scene records a crew member instructing others to stay inside and directing them toward the ship's bridge as more commandos arrive. One commando is seen in a kneeling position above others, possibly providing them with cover fire.
Twitter Post
Footage of Iranian forces boarding container ship
BREAKING: Footage of Iranian forces boarding MSC ARIES container ship pic.twitter.com/qmgPuscEtb
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) April 13, 2024
Vessel ownership
MSC Aries linked to London-based Zodiac Maritime
The ship was last detected off Dubai as it headed toward the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, having disabled its tracking data — a common practice for Israeli-affiliated ships navigating this region. Iran did not immediately acknowledge the seizure of any vessel, nor did state media report on the incident. However, since 2019, Iran has engaged in a series of ship seizures and attacks on vessels, escalating tensions with the West over its quickly expanding nuclear program.
International response
Gulf of Oman is located near the Strait of Hormuz
The Gulf of Oman is located near the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which one-fifth of all oil passes. Fujairah, located on the eastern coast of the UAE, is a major port for ships bringing in new oil cargo, replenishing supplies, or changing crews. Since 2019, the waters off Fujairah have seen a slew of explosions and hijacks. The US Navy accused Iran of launching limpet mine assaults on boats that damaged tankers.