Gulf seizure fallout: Iran wants $170M from ‘Zionist’ ship owner

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.