Seven Crew Freed From Portuguese-Flagged Ship Seized by Iran

Seven crew members on a Portuguese-flagged ship that was illegally seized by Iran almost a month ago in the Persian Gulf have been released.

The MSC Aries with 25 personnel on board was intercepted by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz on April 13 amidst heightened tensions with Israel.

Five Indians, a Filipino, and an Estonian have now been released, according to a statement from Portugal’s foreign ministry.

The statement added that 17 crew members remained aboard following the release of the seven crew members and the earlier release of one other.

According to the IRGC, the MSC Aries violated maritime laws and was seized because it was associated with Israel, the country's archenemy.

MSC has leased the ship from Gortal Shipping, which is connected to Zodiac Maritime, which Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer partly owns.

This seizure coincided with an escalation in regional tensions, occurring on the same day that Iran launched its first direct attack on Israel and just a few days after a suspected Israeli airstrike on Damascus.

“Portugal will continue to make every effort to ensure that these international obligations are fully complied with,” Portugal’s foreign ministry statement read.