In a recent development, Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossei Amirabdollahian has announced that the crew of a ship flying the Portuguese flag, which was seized by the Islamic Republic and connected to Israel, should be released. The MSC Aries container ship with a crew of 25 was seized in the Strait of Hormuz on April 13, days after Tehran vowed to retaliate over a suspected Israeli attack on its consulate in Damascus.
Amirabdollahian expressed his concerns about the humanitarian issue of the release of the ship’s crew in a phone call to his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel. The minister promised that the crew will be handed over to their respective diplomatic representatives in Tehran, although the timing was not specified. He stated that the Aries was seized for a violation of maritime laws and that it was linked to Israel.
In another incident, a ship was damaged by multiple missiles off the coast of Yemen, in an attack claimed by Houthi rebels. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Security Agency reported that the attack took place southwest of the Yemeni port of Mokha. The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack on the Andromeda Star and another ship, the MV Maisha. The Andromeda Star sustained minor damage but continued its journey.
These recent incidents follow a lull in attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis, who have targeted international shipping in the Red Sea. Despite this lull, efforts continue to ensure safety and security for maritime activities in the region as challenges remain high due to ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions.
Amirabdollahian also discussed with Rangel his concerns about regional instability and called for increased cooperation between states to address these issues. He emphasized on finding peaceful solutions through dialogue and diplomacy rather than resorting to force or violence.
The release of foreign nationals from Iran has been a contentious issue in recent years, with many countries expressing concern about their treatment while detained there. However, with Amirabdollahian’s announcement regarding this particular incident involving Portugal’s flagship vessel, there is hope that diplomatic efforts may be able to bring an end to this situation soon.
Overall, these incidents highlight once again how important it is for all countries involved in regional conflicts to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy over military action when dealing with disputes related to maritime security and international law violations.