Iran seizes Israeli businessman's ship; 17 Indians, including two Malayalis, on board

TEHRAN: Iran's Revolutionary Guards have seized an Israeli businessman's ship near the Strait of Hormuz. According to reports, the seized ship has 17 Indians, including two Malayalis. The Malayalis on board the ship are reportedly natives of Kozhikode and Palakkad.

The Revolutionary Guards confiscated the container ship 'MCS Aries,' which belonged to London-based Zodiac Maritime, when it was travelling from the United Arab Emirates to Mumbai port. However, Iran is claiming that it seized the ship after the ship violated its maritime boundaries. The ship has been diverted to the coast of Iran. Zodiac Maritime is owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer's Zodiac Group.

Sources are in touch with Iranian authorities through diplomatic channels, both in Tehran and in Delhi.

"We are in touch with the Iranian authorities through diplomatic channels, both in Tehran and in Delhi, to ensure the security, welfare and early release of Indian nationals," the sources added.

Tensions escalated between Iran and the West amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

The situation in the region worsened after Iran announced that it had captured the ship. Israel's military has warned that Iran will bear the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further.