Portugal’s international ministry summoned Iran’s ambassador on Tuesday to sentence Saturday’s assault on Israel by Tehran and to demand the rapid launch of a Portuguese-flagged container ship, the MSC Aries, that was seized by Iran on April 13.
The ministry stated in a press release after the assembly that it “will await the outcomes of this formal measure and consider any further steps, relying on these.”
It stated Portugal had demanded the discharge of the crew “as explanations offered up to now haven’t been thought of constant,” and urged de-escalation within the Center East.
Tehran stated on Monday that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized the cargo vessel – allegedly linked to Israel – within the Strait of Hormuz for “violating maritime legal guidelines.”
Barrage of missiles
Iran launched a barrage of missiles and explosive drones on Saturday in an assault that Tehran stated was self-defense after a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus on April 1.
MSC, which operates the Aries, has stated it’s working “with the related authorities” for the vessel’s protected return and the wellbeing of its 25 crew.
MSC leases the Aries from Gortal Transport, an affiliate of Zodiac Maritime. Zodiac is partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer.
