- Iranian forces seized Israel-linked MSC ARIES vessel. The ship is being directed towards Iran.
- Israel has promised repercussions for the hijacking.
Iranian Forces commandeered the MSC ARIES ship, co-owned by Israeli entrepreneur Eyal Ofer, in the Strait of Hormuz. Video footage obtained by AP depicts Iranian forces descending from a helicopter, as the 25 crew members aboard the ship are directed to remain indoors. The ship is being steered towards Iran.
Israel has pledged that there will be “consequences” for the hijacking incident and has called for the European Union to impose sanctions on Iran and designate its Revolutionary Guards as terrorists.
Last week, an Israeli airstrike targeted an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria, resulting in the killing of several Iranian military advisors, including top General Mohammad Reza Zahedi. While Israel has not officially confirmed its involvement, it is widely believed to be responsible for the attack. In response, Iran has pledged retaliation. The United States has issued a warning, stating, “The response is a matter of when, not if.”
Tensions between the two countries have remained elevated for decades.
