Iran's Revolutionary Guard seized the container ship MSC Aries near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, escalating tensions in an already volatile region. Of the 25 crew members onboard, 17 are Indian nationals.
The seizure, carried out in a "heliborne operation," comes amidst heightened tensions between Iran and Israel. Iranian state media indicates the vessel is "related to the Zionist regime (Israel) in the Gulf." Iran has vowed retaliation for a recent airstrike targeting the consular section of its embassy in Damascus, Syria, which killed seven people, including two generals.
Indian officials have confirmed their awareness of the ship's seizure and the presence of Indian nationals onboard. "We are in touch with the Iranian authorities through diplomatic channels, both in Tehran and in Delhi, to ensure security, welfare, and early release of the Indian nationals," stated a source.
The MSC Aries, a Portuguese-flagged ship, was reportedly seized close to the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key passageway for global trade.
This incident further destabilizes the Middle East, where a potential conflict between Israel and Iran remains a serious concern.
