It is feared that the incident could increase tensions in the Middle East leading to a possible escalation of violence between Israel and Iran, in addition to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
AMN / WEB DESK
Iran’s state-run media reported that the country’s Revolutionary Guards seized an Israeli-linked ship near the Strait of Hormuz.
The IRNA news agency said on Saturday that the Portuguese-flagged ship is managed by a company owned by an Israeli capitalist. It added that the seized vessel MSC Aries was being directed toward Iran’s territorial waters.
The Iranian government has yet to issue an official statement on the alleged seizure.
However, observers say it may be part of Iran’s retaliatory measures against the Israeli bombing of the Iranian embassy compound in Syria on April 1. The attack killed a senior commander of the Revolutionary Guards, among others. Iran has vowed reprisal.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said on social media X that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corp seized the ship. He blamed Iran for conducting a pirate operation in violation of international law, and called on the international community to sanction the country.
It is feared that the incident could increase tensions in the Middle East leading to a possible escalation of violence between Israel and Iran, in addition to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.