Iran's state news agency IRNA, quoted by world media, reported today that the Guards of The Islamic Revolution seized the container ship "Eris" in the waters of the Gulf of Hormuz. (Aries), which they claim is “connected to Israel”, and they transferred it to Iranian territorial waters, BTA reported.
A helicopter of the Special Forces of the Guards boarded the vessel sailing under the Portuguese flag, added IRNA, quoted by Reuters. The Associated Press reports it has seen video of the court takeover. The agency recalls that the attack was previously reported by the British Office for Maritime Commercial Operations. According to the service, the attack took place in the Gulf of Oman near the port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.
The international shipping company “Zodiac Maritime“ (Zodiac Maritime), announced that the manager and commercial operator of the seized vessel is MSC. “The title to the vessel is held by “Gortal Shipping” (Gortal Shipping Inc.) as the financing organization, the vessel is leased long-term to MSC. “Gortal Shipping“ is related to “Zodiac Maritime”, the company, which is partially owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer, announced.
Israel Defense Forces spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said Iran would suffer consequences if it further escalated regional tensions. “Israel is on high alert. We have increased our readiness to defend Israel against further Iranian aggression. We are ready to fight back, he declared.