13-4-2024 (TEHRAN) Tensions surged in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran’s Revolutionary Guards intercepted an Israeli-associated cargo vessel on Saturday (Apr 13), amplifying regional anxieties amidst escalating hostilities.
According to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, a Guards helicopter boarded the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries, purportedly linked to Israel, and escorted it into Iranian waters. MSC, the operating entity of the vessel, confirmed the incident and asserted its collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of the 25 crew members and the ship’s prompt return.
MSC, leasing the Aries from Gortal Shipping, a subsidiary of Zodiac Maritime, indicated that all operational responsibilities rested with MSC. Zodiac Maritime has ties to Israeli entrepreneur Eyal Ofer.
Video footage disseminated by Iranian news outlets showcased a figure rappelling from a helicopter onto a vessel, purportedly the MSC Aries. While Reuters verified the vessel’s identity, the exact timing of the footage remains unconfirmed.
This development unfolds against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions, marked by Israel’s Gaza campaign since October. Ongoing confrontations between Israel or its allies and Iranian-affiliated factions across Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen have exacerbated geopolitical strains.
In the aftermath of an Israeli strike on Iran’s consulate in Syria’s Damascus on Apr 1, which claimed the lives of seven Revolutionary Guards officers, including two senior commanders, Tehran has threatened retaliatory measures.
US President Joe Biden, anticipating potential Israeli reprisals, cautioned Iran against provocation. Israel’s military spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, underscored Tehran’s accountability for exacerbating the situation.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz denounced the seizure as an act of piracy, affirming Jerusalem’s determination to respond firmly.
The naval chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Alireza Tangsiri, recently issued a warning of potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing concerns over Israel’s presence in the UAE. This declaration underscores Iran’s strategic stance amidst heightened geopolitical complexities.
Tasnim news agency says the seizing of the Israeli-linked “MSC ARIES” container ship, near the strait of Hormuz, was carried out by the IRGC Navy. pic.twitter.com/SvMiGD3gx6
— Ama. (@UNIVERS_ART) April 13, 2024
