Iran seizes Israel-linked container ship amid escalating tensions

Iran seizes Israeli-linked ship in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in the Middle East as commandos rappel from helicopters.

Iran's seizure of a container ship linked to Israel in the Strait of Hormuz has escalated tensions in the Middle East. Commandos from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) rappelled down from a helicopter onto the MSC Aries, associated with London-based Zodiac Maritime, part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer's Zodiac Group. The Portuguese-flagged ship, last seen off Dubai heading towards the Strait of Hormuz, turned off its tracking data, a common practice for Israeli-affiliated ships in the region.

The Iranian authorities have not commented on the incident, but state-run media has praised Iranian special forces for their actions against the "Zionist regime." The ship is reportedly being taken to Iranian waters. Video footage shows a Soviet-era Mil Mi-17 helicopter, similar to those used by the IRGC and Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in the past for commando raids on ships.

The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations confirmed the vessel was "seized by regional authorities" in the Gulf of Oman near Fujairah, without providing further details. The Middle East is on edge following a suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian consular building in Syria that killed 12 people, including a senior IRGC general.

Israel has warned Iran of consequences for escalating the situation. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has further heightened tensions in the region. Tehran supports the Palestinian cause and has used proxy forces in Lebanon and Yemen to target Israel.

Since 2019, Iran has been involved in a series of ship seizures and attacks amid tensions with the West over its nuclear program. The Gulf of Oman, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, sees a significant amount of globally traded oil passing through. Fujairah, a key port in the region, has experienced explosions and hijackings in recent years, with the US Navy attributing limpet mine attacks on vessels to Iran.