2024-04-25 02:48:55
Tehran: Iran has shared new information about the Israeli container ship seized on April 15. It also includes information about the cargo loaded on the ship and its destination. The crew of the seized Israeli container ship MSC Aries includes 17 Indians. Iran has allowed one of these Indian women to return home, while the remaining 16 sailors are in Iran’s custody. Iran has informed that Indian sailors are safe and healthy. The Indian Embassy is in touch with these sailors and continuous talks are being held with Iran regarding their release.
Potassium nitrate is loaded on the ship
Iran’s state-owned Mehr news agency reported that Iranian officials gave more information on Tuesday about the Israeli cargo ship MSC Aries. Iranian police alleged that the ship was carrying more than 22 metric tons of potassium nitrate, a chemical product used as fertilizer in agricultural projects, for customers in Uzbekistan. Iranian General Reza Baniasadifar said the fertilizer was manufactured by the “fake Zionist regime” and was confiscated under Article 9 of Iran’s export-import regulations.
Where did Iran claim to seize the ship?
The report claimed that the ship was seized in Iranian territory in Bazargan. Bazargan is located in West Azerbaijan Province. The shipping industry has urged the United Nations to safeguard the ships following their seizure by Iran. The industry said in a letter released last Friday that merchant ships and sailors at sea are at risk due to increased attacks in the Middle East and that the United Nations must do more to protect supply chains. Tensions have risen across the Middle East since Israel retaliated against Hamas attacks in the Gaza Strip in October. Israel and the US, along with their allies, have repeatedly clashed with Iranian-aligned groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.