Report by Iranian State Media
Iran, amid speculation that a retaliatory attack against Israel is imminent, seized a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on the 13th (local time).
Local protesters in Tehran, Iran are holding a demonstration chanting anti-Israel slogans. [Photo by Reuters Yonhap News]
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated in a release that "a vessel was seized by local authorities 50 nautical miles (approximately 92.6 km) northeast of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates (UAE)," urging caution to ships passing through the area. UKMTO did not specify who was responsible for the seizure.
In this regard, Iran's state-run IRNA news agency reported that its naval special forces used a helicopter to seize the Israel-linked vessel "MSC Eriz," and that the ship is being moved into Iranian territorial waters.
According to foreign media, the last known location of MSC Eriz was near Dubai, UAE, heading toward the Strait of Hormuz the previous day, and its tracking device is currently turned off.
Having vowed retaliation for a recent attack on its consulate in Syria, Iran stated on the 9th, "We can block the Strait of Hormuz, but we will not do so," while also warning, "If the enemy interferes with us, we may reconsider our policy."
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