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| Iran seized-Israel |
Iran has requested a fine of $170 million from the owner of a cargo ship that it seized in Gulf waters last year, alleging that the company has connections to Israel.
The Revolutionary Guards, which serve as the military branch of Iran’s regime, intercepted the MSC Aries in April 2024 and took into custody its 25 international crew members.
At that time, Iran’s state-operated news agency IRNA reported that the Portuguese-flagged vessel was "managed by Zodiac, which is owned by the Zionist capitalist Eyal Ofer."
Judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir announced on Tuesday, October 28, that charges have been filed and the case is currently before the courts, although no trial date has been established yet. "A fine of $170 million has been sought against its owner, who is of Israeli descent and is accused of financing terrorism," Jahangir stated.
The United States condemned the seizure at that time, labeling it an act of piracy and calling for the crew's release. Israel’s foreign minister also urged the European Union to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as a "terrorist organization" in response.
According to Jahangir, the ship, not including its cargo, is valued at $170 million. He also asserted that Eyal Ofer, an Israeli billionaire and shipping magnate, is an "influential figure" within the Israeli government.The seizure of the vessel took place amid rising tensions related to the Gaza war, which commenced following Hamas’ attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, and has since involved Iran-backed militant groups throughout the region.