Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) naval forces on Saturday seized an Israeli cargo ship in the Persian Gulf region, as it passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the Iranian Tasnim News Agency, the detained ship, named “MSC Aries” operates under the flag of Portugal and is connected to the London-based company “Zodiac Maritime,” owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer.
“Further details regarding the seized vessel are expected to be released by the authorities” the agency said.
“The ship has now been guided towards the territorial waters of our country,” state-run IRNA reported.
Iranian armed forces have seized a container ship amid rising tensions across the region after a deadly Israeli attack on Iran’s consulate in Syria.
According to Iran’s state media, the elite force lost seven members, including two generals, in the Syria strike.
The UK’s Maritime Trade Operations agency confirmed in a statement it has made no mention of Iranian involvement, instead stating that the ship had been seized by “regional authorities” off the coast of Fujairah in the UAE.
