Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly used a helicopter to raid and seize a container ship named MSC Aries near the Strait of Hormuz, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.
The ship was said to be transferred to Iranian territorial waters. Video footage from Press TV showed people descending onto the ship with ropes.
IRNA linked the Portuguese-flagged ship to the Zodiac shipping company, reportedly associated with an Israeli businessman. However, Zodiac clarified that the ship is managed and operated by the UK-based shipping company, MSC.
The incident occurred northeast of Fujairah, near the entrance to the Persian Gulf, as reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz condemned Iran’s actions as a “pirate operation in violation of international law” and emphasised Israel’s readiness to respond to further escalation.
This incident follows recent tensions between Israel and Iran, including a strike on an Iranian consular building in Damascus and subsequent statements from Iranian officials vowing retaliation.
The broader context includes ongoing regional tensions and shadow conflicts between Iran and Israel across the Middle East.
