The Iranian military near the Strait of Hormuz had seized a cargo ship MSC Aries, Portuguese flagged with 17 Indian crew members on board. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has informed External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for allowing Indian Authorities to meet the crew members. Jaishankar has asked for the earliest release of the Indian crew members.
Mediterranean Shipping Company is in constant dialogue with Iranian counterparts for quick release of the 25 crew members and the ship. The crew comprised Indian, Pakistani, Russian, Estonian, and Filipino nationals. Zodiac Maritime Shipping Company, which is partially controlled by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer, operates the Portuguese-flagged vessel, said Iranian newswire IRNA.
