A vessel has been confiscated by Iran’s forces in the area between the United Arab Emirates and Iran, as stated by maritime security agencies on Saturday. This incident occurred just days after Iran issued a warning that it could potentially close off the area to sea traffic.
According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the vessel was seized approximately 50 nautical miles (92 km) northeast of Fujairah, which is an area near the Strait of Hormuz, serving as the entrance to the Gulf. Ambrey, a British maritime security company, reported an incident of “boarding” at the same location, but no further details were provided.
Marine tracking sites have identified the vessel as the MSC Aries, owned in part by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer through Zodiac Maritime, an international shipping company. UKMTO has stated that it cannot disclose more details regarding the regional authorities involved or the seized vessel’s identity. Iranian authorities have not issued any public statements regarding the incident. A U.S. defense official acknowledged being aware of the situation reported by UKMTO and stated that they are closely monitoring it. However, they did not confirm or deny the vessel’s name when asked if it was the MSC Aries.
Earlier this week, Alireza Tangsiri, the naval head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, mentioned the possibility of closing the Strait of Hormuz if it was deemed necessary. He expressed Iran’s concern over Israel’s presence in the UAE, with whom Israel established diplomatic relations in 2020 through the ‘Abraham Accords’ mediated by the United States. Tensions in the region have escalated since Israel’s campaign in Gaza began in October. Israel and its ally, the United States, have repeatedly clashed with Iranian-aligned groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. Iran has also threatened retaliation for suspected Israeli airstrikes on its consulate in Damascus, Syria’s capital, on April 1, which resulted in the deaths of seven Revolutionary Guards officers, including two senior commanders. On Friday, U.S. President Joe Biden stated that he anticipates Iran to launch an attack on Israel.