Days after Tehran warned that it could close the Strait of Hormuz (a crucial shipping route) and possibly retaliate for an Israeli strike on its Syria consulate, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards commandeered an Isreali-linked cargo ship on Saturday.
There is no doubt that this is a brazen act of aggression that is now threat to worsen tensions in the already volatile region as well as violate the modern international maritime laws and norms.
Iran’s state-owned IRNA news agency had reported that a Guards helicopter had boarded and taken into Iranian waters, a Portuguese flagged MSC Aries, stating it was linked to Israel.
MSC, the Aries operator, confirmed that Iran had seized the ship and has revealed that it was working “with the relevant authorities” for its safe return as well as the wellbeing of its 25 crew.
Video footage seen on Iranian news channels claiming to show the seizure had included a figure abseiling from a helicopter on to a ship.
Reuters has verified that the ship in the video was the MSC Aries but the date of the video was not ascertained at the time if this report.
This incident is coming amid increased regional tensions since the start of Israel’s campaign in Gaza in October, with Israel and its ally country, —the U.S, clashing frequently with Iranian-aligned groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.
By targeting a vessel with alleged Israeli ties, Iran is risking the safety of innocent crew members and jeopardizing global trade flows through the economically vital Strait of Hormuz.
As it stands, the Iranian government has threatened to retaliate for alleged Israeli airstrikes on its consulate in Syria’s capital, Damascus on April 1. That airstrike had killed seven Revolutionary Guards officers including two senior commanders.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, has said that Iran will bear brunt if choosing to escalate this situation any further in a reaction to reports of the seizure of MSC Aries.
The Israeli Foreign Minister, Israel Katz has accused Tehran of piracy.
The timing of this seizure could not have come at a worse time and there is an urgent need for diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation of this situation and avoid a dangerous conflict that will no doubt come with great consequences.
The international community has a part to play in de-escalating tensions. They must condemn Iran’s illegal commandeering of the MSC Aries and call for the immediate release of the ship and its crew.
Failure to hold Iran accountable for its aggressive behavior sets a dangerous tone that may just see maritime piracy become frequent and cause destabilization in the region if care is not taken.
