He Government of Iran affirmed that it captured the cargo ship 'MSC ARIES'under the Portuguese flag and linked to the Israeli company 'Zodiac Maritime', for violation of international maritime regulations.
“The ship was directed to Iranian territorial waters due to violation of international maritime regulations and the lack of response to the Iranian authorities,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Naser Kananí said at a press conference.
The diplomat stated that, according to his information, the ship “belongs to the Zionist regime” and is being investigated by “the competent authorities.”
Kananí assured that Iran is “committed to free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz” in accordance with international law.
“Iran is monitoring all traffic in this strategic strait within the framework of protecting its national interests and territorial sovereignty, and has full and responsible control of all entry and exit elements,” he said.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard captured the Israeli-associated cargo ship in the Persian Gulf on Saturday, hours before launching a missile and drone attack on Israel.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz described the capture of the ship as a “piracy operation,” while Portugal called for “the immediate release” of the ship.
India, for its part, asked Iran to guarantee the safety of 17 Indians on board the captured ship.
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