Iran to Release Seized MSC Aries Crew on Humanitarian Grounds

Iranian officials have pledged to release the crew from the seized MSC Aries on humanitarian grounds in an effort to improve relations with Portugal, where the ship is flagged. The statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry came after a call with the Portuguese government, indicating progress in the negotiations. Previously, Iran made a similar promise in an attempt to strengthen ties with Pakistan, which has citizens among the crew.

The international community has been pressuring Iran to release the MSC Aries, which was seized on April 13 near the Strait of Hormuz. During recent sessions at the International Maritime Organization, calls for the immediate release of the crew were made. Iran vaguely cited the vessel’s seizure as a “retaliatory move” for Israel’s attacks on the Iranian consulate in Syria, accusing the ship of violating maritime law without specifying details.

MSC, the owner of the containership, stated that discussions with Iranian authorities were ongoing to secure the crew’s release and discharge the cargo. Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that the crew’s release was being considered a humanitarian issue, with crew members from India, Pakistan, Russia, the Philippines, and Estonia involved. Despite delays, some crew members have been able to return home, such as the 16 Indian crew members who were expected to finish contractual obligations before returning to India.

Source .