Iran Seeks $170 Million Fine From Israeli-Linked Ship Owner Over Seized Vessel

Iran has imposed a $170 million fine on the owner of a cargo vessel seized in the Gulf waters in 2024, alleging that the company has ties to Israel. The Revolutionary Guards intercepted the MSC Aries in April 2024, detaining all 25 foreign crew members aboard.

At the time, state-run IRNA reported that the Portuguese-flagged ship was operated by Zodiac Maritime, a company owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer, whom Iranian authorities described as a “Zionist capitalist.”

Judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir confirmed on Tuesday, October 28, that a case had been filed but that no trial date had yet been set. He stated that Iran was demanding $170 million in fines from the ship’s owner, whom he accused of financing terrorism.

The United States had earlier denounced the seizure as an act of piracy, calling for the immediate release of the detained crew, while Israel’s foreign minister urged the European Union to classify the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization.

Jahangir added that the ship alone—excluding its cargo—was valued at around $170 million, and claimed that Ofer held significant influence within the Israeli government.

The incident occurred amid growing regional tensions following the Gaza war, which erupted after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attacks on southern Israel and subsequently involved Iran-backed militant groups across the Middle East.