Iran released the crew of a seized ship linked to Israel, MSC Aries, however, the vessel remains under judicial detention, amid tensions in the region.
Iran has released the crew of a seized Portuguese-flagged container ship associated with Israel, Reuters reported. However, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian stated that Iran still maintains control of the vessel, MSC Aries.
The Revolutionary Guards seized the ship, which had a crew of 25, in the Strait of Hormuz on April 13, following a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus. Iran had threatened to close the shipping route in response.
Amirabdollahian emphasized that the ship remains under judicial detention due to its actions in Iranian waters. The release of the crew is deemed a humanitarian gesture, allowing them to return to their respective countries along with the ship’s captain.
Iran’s foreign ministry previously stated that the MSC Aries was seized for violating maritime laws and had clear ties to Israel.
The vessel is leased by MSC from Gortal Shipping, a subsidiary of Zodiac Maritime, partially owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer.
Recent attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden by Yemen’s Iran-allied Houthis, in support of Palestinians during Israel’s Gaza conflict, have disrupted global shipping.
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