Tehran, Iran – Iranian authorities announced on Tuesday that they have filed formal charges against the owner of the commercial vessel MSC Aries, which has been detained since 2024 in the Strait of Hormuz.
He was charged with financing terrorism and supporting Israeli military activities,
after the investigation was completed and the case was referred to the competent judiciary,
according to official media reports.
Judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir said the owner, who is of Israeli origin,
He made $1.07 million in financial transfers,
which Tehran deemed to be funding Israeli military activities.
He added that the case is being considered by the International Affairs Department
of the Iranian judiciary “in accordance with international and domestic law.”
Jahangir explained that the ship was flying the Portuguese flag
when it was intercepted by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in April 2024
while passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Noting that “hazardous and harmful materials” were found in its cargo,
in violation of Iranian maritime laws.
According to investigations, the ship’s value is approximately $170 million, excluding its cargo.
The ship was operated by the Swiss company MSC and owned by Gortal Shipping.
A subsidiary of the Zodiac Maritime group,
partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer.
For its part, Portugal condemned the detention of the ship
and summoned the Iranian ambassador in Lisbon to demand its release.
She described Tehran’s justifications as “inconsistent.”
Last May, the Portuguese Foreign Ministry announced the release of seven of the 25 crew members.
While 17 others remained on board.
The detention came just one day before an Iranian missile and drone attack on Israel.
What observers considered part of the mutual escalation
between Tehran and Tel Aviv in the Arabian Gulf region.
