Iran has issued an indictment in the case of a container ship seized by its Revolutionary Guards in the Strait of Hormuz last year, judiciary spokesman Asghar Jahangir said on Tuesday, according to state media.
He said prosecutors had completed their investigation and sent the case for trial, charging the ship’s Israeli-born owner with financing terrorism and alleging transfers worth about $1.07 million. The judiciary said the funds supported Israeli military activities and that proceedings were conducted by Tehran’s international affairs prosecution branch “in line with international and domestic law.”
The vessel, the MSC Aries, was flying a Portuguese flag when it was intercepted in April 2024. It was operated by Swiss-based MSC and leased from Gortal Shipping, an affiliate of Israel’s Zodiac Maritime, partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer, Reuters reported at the time.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards intercepted the MSC Aries on April 13, 2024, saying the vessel violated navigation rules and failed to respond to Iranian maritime authorities. Jahangir said inspections revealed “hazardous and harmful materials” in part of the cargo, which Iran described as a breach of its maritime laws in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.
He said the ship’s estimated value, excluding cargo, was about $170 million. Iranian officials also alleged the vessel’s owner had previously served in Israel’s air force and funded naval units through a family foundation, actions they described as “terror financing” under Iranian law.
Diplomatic reaction and crew releases
The seizure prompted condemnation from Portugal, which summoned Iran’s ambassador in Lisbon and demanded the ship’s release. It said Iran’s explanations were inconsistent and urged restraint amid heightened regional tensions.
Nearly a month later, seven of the 25 crew members, five Indians, a Filipino and an Estonian, were released, according to Portugal’s foreign ministry. One other crew member had been freed earlier, leaving 17 still on board at the time.
The seizure occurred a day before Iran launched a missile and drone attack on Israel in retaliation for an Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus.