Iran has announced the release of the crew of the Portuguese-flagged container ship, MSC Aries, which it detained last month amidst rising tensions with Israel. The ship remains under judicial detention, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian.
The seizure of the MSC Aries on April 13 by Iranian forces while passing through the Strait of Hormuz was condemned by Israel and the United States. The U.S. National Security Council called for the immediate release of the vessel and its crew.
Iran’s foreign minister stated that the crew had been released in a “humane approach” and could return to their respective home countries, as reported by Tasnim News. Iran did not provide further details on the rationale behind detaining the vessel.
The incident with the MSC Aries is not the first time Iran has seized a commercial vessel. In January, Iran’s navy seized a tanker loaded with oil off the coast of Oman, with soldiers descending from a helicopter.
The United States has accused Iran of interfering with numerous internationally flagged merchant ships in recent years. Israeli and American officials have yet to comment on the recent developments.
