After reports surfaced of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seizing an Israeli-linked cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, government sources told CNN-News18 that there are 17 Indian nationals among the crew on board.
The sources further added that they are in contact with Iranian authorities through diplomatic channels, both in Tehran and New Delhi, to ensure the security, welfare, and early release of the Indian nationals.
Commandos from Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard raided a ship near the Strait of Hormuz by helicopter as tensions between Iran and Israel grew following the latter’s alleged strike on the former’s consulate in the Syrian capital of Damascus earlier this month.
Sources also informed CNN-News18 that the ship, MSC Aries, was en route to the port of Nhava Sheva in Mumbai, India and the expected arrival was on the night of April 15.
#NEW: Video of the hijacking of the MSC Aries by the IRGC pic.twitter.com/AlANlpbAYM
— Michael A. Horowitz (@michaelh992) April 13, 2024
In response to the attack, Israel issued a warning, stating that Iran would face “consequences” for escalating the conflict in the region.
“Iran will bear the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further,” stated Israel’s military spokesman Daniel Hagari in a video statement.
“Iran will bear the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further.”
Watch IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari’s statement regarding Iranian involvement in the war and its effect on the Middle East: pic.twitter.com/AdaJB2WtJd
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 13, 2024
US vows ‘ironclad commitment’ to Israel
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said he spoke with his Israeli counterpart, Tzachi Hanegbi, regarding the issue and and reiterated the United States’ “ironclad commitment” to the country.
“This morning, I spoke with my Israeli counterpart, National Security Advisor Hanegbi, to discuss events in the Middle East. During the call, I reiterated the United States’ ironclad commitment to the security of Israel,” stated Sullivan in a social media post on X.