Iran has demanded a US$170 million fine from Eyal Ofer, whom it accuses of owning a cargo ship seized in Gulf waters last year, reported the Times of Israel.
The MSC Aries, a Portuguese-flagged vessel leased by MSC from Zodiac Maritime, was intercepted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in April 2024 near the Strait of Hormuz. The ship's 25 international crew members were detained.
Iranian authorities claim the vessel is linked to Mr Ofer, Israel's richest man, through Zodiac Maritime. Judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir said charges have been filed, accusing Ofer of financing terrorism, though no trial date has been set.
The ship, excluding its cargo, is valued at $170 million. Iranian officials allege Mr Ofer is an influential figure in the Israeli government. His vessels have previously been targeted by Iran, including a 2023 drone strike and a 2021 attack that killed two crewmen.
The British military confirmed the seizure occurred off Fujairah in the Gulf of Oman. Footage showed commandos rappelling onto the vessel's deck. The ship had turned off its tracking data, a practice common among Israeli-linked vessels in the region.
The United States condemned the seizure as piracy and called for the crew's release. Israel's foreign minister urged the EU to designate the IRGC as a terrorist group, citing Iran's support for Hamas and violations of international law.
Hours after the seizure, Iran launched its first direct attack on Israel, firing hundreds of drones and missiles. The incident followed an Israeli strike on an Iranian consular building in Damascus that killed seven IRGC members, including two generals.
https://www.shippingazette.com/news?news_id=9251100000105
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