Iranian Foreign Minister Promises to Release Crew of Seized Portuguese Ship, While Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Continue Attacks on International Shipping

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossei Amirabdollahian has expressed his concerns about the humanitarian issue of releasing the crew of a ship flying the Portuguese flag, which was seized by the Islamic Republic. The MSC Aries container ship, with a crew of 25, was seized in the Strait of Hormuz on April 13, just days after Tehran vowed to retaliate over a suspected Israeli attack on its consulate in Damascus.

Amirabdollahian spoke with his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel in a phone call and promised that the crew would be handed over to their respective diplomatic representatives in Tehran. However, the timing for their release was not specified. The minister stated that the Aries was seized for violating maritime laws and its link to Israel.

In a separate incident, off the coast of Yemen, a ship sustained minor damage from multiple missiles claimed by Houthi rebels. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Security Agency reported that the attack took place southwest of Mokha port. The Houthis claimed responsibility for attacking two ships – Andromeda Star and MV Maisha – although both vessels continued their journey with only minor damage.

These incidents follow a lull in attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis, who have targeted international shipping in the Red Sea as an expression of solidarity with Palestinians amid conflict in Gaza Strip. Despite these challenges, efforts continue to ensure maritime safety and security in the region.