Iran is seeking a $170 million fine from the Israeli owner of the MSC Aries, a cargo ship seized in the Gulf in April 2024 by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), officials announced Tuesday.
The U.S. condemned the seizure at the time as “an act of piracy”, while Israeli officials called on the European Union to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization © Mena Today
Iran is seeking a $170 million fine from the Israeli owner of the MSC Aries, a cargo ship seized in the Gulf in April 2024 by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), officials announced Tuesday.
The vessel, sailing under the Portuguese flag and reportedly managed by Zodiac Maritime, a company linked to Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer, was captured with 25 crew members onboard, amid rising regional tensions following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.
Iran’s judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir said the ship’s owner is being prosecuted for "financing terrorism" and is identified as a "recognized Zionist and influential figure in Israeli power circles."
The U.S. condemned the seizure at the time as “an act of piracy”, while Israeli officials called on the European Union to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization.
The estimated value of the ship, excluding cargo, is $170 million — the amount Iran now seeks in damages.
By Christian Tober
Qatar said mediators were making progress in efforts to end the U.S.-Iran war on Tuesday, driving oil prices lower, although Tehran has denied President Donald Trump's assertion that talks are already under way.
Iran is betting it can outlast Washington by turning the Middle East's trade routes, shipping lanes and energy infrastructure into pressure points that steadily raise the cost of confrontation, according to Gulf officials and analysts.
Conflicting signals from the United States and Iran over the status of talks to end their five-month-old war boosted uncertainty on Tuesday, with the latest attack on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz highlighting risks to global energy flows.
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