(VIDEO) Iranian Commandos Seize Israeli Billionaire’s Container Ship in Strait of Hormuz
(VIDEO) The seizure of the Israel-linked container ship "MSC Aries" in the Strait of Hormuz was carried out by a special unit of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The operatives were deployed to the vessel via helicopter as it navigated through the busy maritime corridor.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval commando unit has reportedly seized the Portuguese container ship “MSC Aries,” linked to Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer, in the Strait of Hormuz.
Eyal Ofer, an 84-year-old shipping magnate from Israel, is the owner of Zodiac Maritime Shipping Company and is estimated to have a net worth of US$22 billion (approximately RM104 billion).
He also owns Ofer Global, Zodiac Group, and Global Holdings, with a reported fleet of 180 commercial vessels.
The UK Maritime Trade Operation (UKMTO) reported the incident, stating that the vessel was seized approximately 50 nautical miles north of the Fujairah port in the strait.
The state-run Iranian news agency, IRNA, confirmed the event.
The latest reports indicate that the container ship, with its 20 Filipino crew members, is being towed to Iranian waters and is likely to dock at one of the country’s ports.
The seizure was executed by IRGC naval commando unit deployed via helicopter while the ship was navigating the congested maritime route.
This incident occurred days after Iran warned it would close the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels linked to Israel, echoing actions by the Houthi militant group in the Red Sea.
This warning was issued by IRGC navy chief Alireza Tangsiri, who stated that the strait would be closed if necessary.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital shipping lane through which an estimated one-fifth of the world’s oil tankers pass to deliver their valuable cargo globally.
The port of Fujairah, located in the eastern United Arab Emirates (UAE) and only 70 nautical miles from the Strait of Hormuz, is a major regional hub and a key stopover for Israeli commercial vessels using the “land bridge” connecting the UAE and Israel.
Following the Houthis’ closure of the Red Sea shipping lanes to Israeli vessels, Israel, the UAE, and other regional countries reportedly established a “land bridge” connecting various other ports in the Persian Gulf with Israel.
From this land bridge, goods such as food, oil, and others are transported overland from ports like Jebel Ali in the UAE and Mina Salman in Bahrain to Israeli ports like Eilat and Haifa, through countries like Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
If the Strait of Hormuz is also closed to Israeli commercial vessels following the Red Sea shutdown, Israel would face comprehensive maritime blockades from all sides. — DSA
