Iran has demanded $170 million from Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer, owner of the MSC Aries, which was seized by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in April 2024. Judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir confirmed the lawsuit, accusing Ofer of “financing terrorism.”
The Portuguese-flagged ship, managed by Zodiac Maritime, was detained with 25 crew members, some of whom have since been released. The U.S. condemned the move as “piracy,” while Israel urged the EU to declare Iran’s Revolutionary Guards a terrorist group.
The seizure occurred amid the Gaza war, intensifying Iran-Israel tensions. Experts say this reflects Tehran’s attempt to leverage legal actions as part of its regional strategy.
GRY News Insight:
This development highlights the deepening geopolitical standoff between Iran and Israel, extending from battlefield to courtroom.
