Iranian Revolutionary Guard commandos seized the Israeli-affiliated container ship MSC Aries near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, in the latest attack between the two countries. Tensions have been escalating between Iran and Israel, with Iran retaliating over a suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian consular building in Syria earlier this month.
The ongoing Israeli war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip, now in its sixth month, is further inflaming tensions across the region. Groups like Hezbollah and Houthi rebels are also becoming increasingly involved in the conflict.
The attack on the vessel, which is associated with London-based Zodiac Maritime owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer’s Zodiac Group, was carried out by the Iranian Guard’s navy. Iran has been engaged in a series of ship seizures and attacks, with this latest incident being linked to its tensions with Israel.
In response to the escalating tensions, Western governments have issued warnings for their citizens in the region to be prepared for potential attacks. The U.S., Israel’s main backer, has reaffirmed its support for the country in the face of threats from Iran.
The Gulf of Oman, where the attack took place, is near the strategic Strait of Hormuz through which a fifth of globally traded oil passes. The UAE, which has previously faced limpet mine attacks on vessels blamed on Iran, has condemned the suspected Israeli attack in Syria.
As tensions continue to rise between Iran and Israel in the region, the international community is closely monitoring the situation for further developments.
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