Iran Demands $170 Million from Owner of Seized Vessel in Gulf Waters

Iran has demanded a $170 million fine from the owner of the cargo ship MSC Aries, which was seized by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Gulf waters in April 2024 over alleged links to Israel. The Portuguese-flagged vessel, reportedly managed by Zodiac Maritime - a company owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer, was detained along with its 25 international crew members.

MSC representatives underlined that Zodiac is a British company headquartered in London and the vessel was "chartered by MSC", they said in a statement at the time of the seizure.

Judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir confirmed that the case has been referred to court, with charges filed against the ship’s owner for “financing terrorism.” He stated that the fine corresponds to the ship’s estimated value, excluding its cargo.

The seizure drew widespread criticism at the time, with the United States condemning the act as “state piracy” and calling for the crew’s release, while Israel urged the European Union to classify the IRGC as a terrorist organization.

The incident occurred amid escalating tensions in the region, several months into the Gaza war between Israel and Iran-backed Hamas. Although some of the detained crew were later released, Iran has maintained its legal proceedings, portraying the move as part of its broader stance against Israeli economic interests in the region.