Israel-Iran War: India is negotiating with Iran to gain the release of 17 Indian nationals detained by the Iranian military near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday aboard a cargo ship owned in part by an Israeli billionaire businessman. The development comes amid rising tensions between Iran and Israel.According to official sources, India has raised the issue with Iranian authorities both Tehran and New Delhi through diplomatic channels to ensure the safety and early release of its nationals.Irans retaliatry strikeThe incident comes amid mounting concerns that Iran may attack Israeli territory in revenge for an attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria on April 1.We are aware that Iran has taken over the cargo ship MSC Aries. We now know that there are 17 Indian nationals on board the ship. We are in touch with Iranian authorities through diplomatic channels both in Tehran and in Delhi to ensure the safety, well-being and early release of Indian nationals, he said.Zodiac Maritime shipping company, which is partly owned by Israeli tycoon Eyal Ofer, operates the Portuguese-flagged vessel, according to Iranian news agency IRNA.According to IRNA, special naval forces of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) seized the ship MCS Aries near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday and are transporting it to Iranian national waters.Iran will face consequences: Daniel HageriAs tensions grew, Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hageri stated that Iran will face the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation.Britains Maritime Trade Operations Agency detailed the incident, including the ships detention by regional authorities off the coast of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, there was no mention of the Iranian militarys involvement. Tensions in the Middle East have risen since the attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1.According to Iranian media, the strike killed seven IRGC personnel, two of them were generals. Following Irans promise to avenge the attack, Tel Aviv media reports stated that the Israeli military was prepared for any eventuality. Earlier on Friday, US President Joe Biden had cautioned Iran not to attack Israel. India had also issued a caution on Friday, asking its nationals not to travel to Iran or Israel.
