Watch video: Iran seizes ship linked to Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer

New Delhi: In a significant development, a vessel associated with Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer was seized by Iran near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. The UK Maritime Trade Operations received reports indicating that a ship had been apprehended by "regional authorities" in the vicinity of Fujairah, a port city in the United Arab Emirates. Iranian state media confirmed the seizure, identifying the vessel as the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries, which has now been directed towards Tehran's territorial waters.

Video of Iran's heliborne operation surfaces online

According to reports from the IRNA news agency, the Sepah Navy Special Forces conducted a heliborne operation to seize the container ship named 'MSC Aries.' Visuals obtained by news agency Associated Press reveal commandos descending onto the ship's deck from helicopters. Amidst the operation, a crew member onboard urged others to remain inside while commandos secured the vessel.

Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari: “Iran will bear the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further. We have increased our readiness to protect Israel from further Iranian aggression. We are also prepared to respond.”

Escalating tensions between Israel and Iran

The seizure of MSC Aries comes amidst escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. Earlier in April, seven Revolutionary Guards officers, including two senior commanders, were killed in Israeli airstrikes on its consulate in Syria. This incident has heightened the already strained relations between the two nations, with Iran threatening retaliatory measures.

Washington is mmonitoring the situation

US officials have acknowledged the reports of the ship seizure and continue to monitor the situation closely. The developments in the region are of significant concern, especially considering the ongoing geopolitical tensions. The incident underscores the volatility of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route through which a significant portion of the world's oil supply passes.

What is the connection with Zodiac maritime?

MSC Aries is associated with Zodiac Maritime, a London-based company that forms part of the Zodiac Group led by Eyal Ofer. The vessel, which had last been tracked off Dubai, had its tracking data turned off—an increasingly common practice for ships affiliated with Israel navigating the region. This incident further complicates the maritime landscape in the Gulf region, raising concerns about the safety and security of vessels operating in these waters.

As tensions persist and developments unfold, stakeholders closely watch the situation, hoping for a peaceful resolution amidst the growing uncertainty in the region. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story.