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
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio begins a Middle East tour in earnest on Wednesday, seeking to reassure Gulf allies who view concessions in President Donald Trump’s Iran deal that include a proposed $300 billion fund as too generous to a regional foe.
Talks between Israel and Lebanon include discussion of a U.S.-backed proposal for Israeli forces to hand over some of the territory they have invaded during the war with Hezbollah to the Lebanese military, according to Israeli and Lebanese officials.
Airlines should continue to avoid the airspace over Iran, Iraq and Lebanon and remain cautious across the region despite the framework deal between Washington and Tehran, because violations remained possible, the EU aviation safety agency EASA said.
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