Iran releases all crew members of vessel MSC Aries including 17 Indians

NEW DELHI: Iran has announced the release of all crew members aboard the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship MSC Aries, which included 17 Indians among its 25-member crew. The release was discussed by Iranian foreign minister Amir Abdollahian during a telephone conversation with Estonian foreign minister Margus Tsahkna on Friday, as per an Iranian readout.

Among the 17 Indian crew members of the Israeli-linked container vessel was Ann Tessa Joseph, the only female cadet. She was released several days after the tanker was captured by Iranian military forces on April 13.

On April 13, Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship, which had 17 Indians onboard, in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian foreign ministry said the MSC Aries cargo ship was seized by the authorities because the freighter "violated maritime laws". Tehran said it had no doubt that the vessel was linked to Israel.

Tensions have soared across the Middle East since the start of Israel's campaign in Gaza in October, with Israel or its ally the United States clashing repeatedly with Iranian-aligned groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.
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