Delhi dials Tehran to save 17 Indian crew members of Israel-linked ship seized by Iran

New Delhi is in contact with Tehran to safe the discharge of 17 Indians on board an Israel-linked cargo ship that was seized by the Iranian navy close to the Strait of Hormuz right now, amid rising fears of an Iranian assault on Israel.

Official sources mentioned that India had taken up the matter with Iranian authorities by diplomatic channels, each in Tehran and in Delhi, to make sure the welfare and early launch of the Indian crew of the cargo ship MSC Aries.

The Iranian motion got here amid heightened fears that Tehran might launch an assault on Israel in retaliation to a strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria 12 days in the past. Iran blamed Israel for the strike.

“We are conscious {that a} cargo ship [named] MSC Aries has been taken management [of] by Iran. We have learnt that there are 17 Indian nationals onboard,” mentioned an Indian authorities supply.

“We are in contact with Iranian authorities by diplomatic channels, each in Tehran and in Delhi, to guarantee safety, welfare and early launch of the Indian nationals,” mentioned the supply.

The Iranian information company IRNA reported that the Portuguese-flagged vessel was operated by the Zodiac (*17*) Shipping Company, partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer.

It mentioned that Special Naval Forces of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) seized MCS Aries close to the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, including that the forces carried out a heliborne operation on the ship’s deck, directing it in direction of Iran’s territorial waters.

With tensions rising, Israeli navy spokesman Daniel Hagari mentioned, “Iran will bear the implications for selecting to escalate the state of affairs any additional.”

In a short replace, the UK’s (*17*) Trade Operations company talked about the seizing of the ship by “regional authorities” off the coast of Fujairah within the UAE. It didn’t point out the involvement of Iranian forces.

There have been mounting tensions in West Asia (aka Middle East) following the assault on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1. Iranian media reported that seven Revolutionary Guards personnel, together with two generals, had been killed within the assault.

After Iran vowed to avenge the assault, media experiences from Tel Aviv mentioned that the Israeli forces had been making ready for any eventuality.

On Friday, US President Joe Biden cautioned Iran in opposition to an assault on Israel. “We are devoted to the defence of Israel. We will help Israel. We will defend, assist defend Israel. And Iran won’t succeed,” he informed reporters.

India had on Friday requested its residents not to journey to Iran and Israel.