India in touch with Iranian authorities to ensure release of 17 Indian nationals aboard seized vessel: Sources

India is in touch with the Iranian authorities both in Tehran and in Delhi to "ensure security, welfare and early release of Indian nationals", say sources on 17 Indian nationals onboard MSC Aries seized by Iran's IRGC.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has seized the MSC Aries, an Israel-linked Portuguese-flagged commercial vessel in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The ship, en route from the United Arab Emirates to India's Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), was intercepted by IRGC forces.

Iran reports indicate that the vessel was affiliated with the London-based company Zodiac Maritime, owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer. Onboard the MSC Aries were approximately 17 Indian nationals, WION has learned. The fate of the crew and the vessel remains uncertain, with the vessel right now under Iranian custody.

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In the last 24 hours, tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated significantly, amidst threats and counter-threats. The situation has been fraught with anticipation, as various US governmentsources reported that Iran could potentially strike Israel within a day.

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The Israeli government and the War Cabinet have been holding emergency security situation assessments in light of the warnings that Iran's response to the Damascus strike could occur within the next 24 to 48 hours.

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This came after reports of an Israeli strike in Damascus that killed Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) members, including a senior commander, Mohammad RezaZahedi.

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The US has reportedly repositioned warships to help defend Israel. Meanwhile, several countries, includingIndia, have issued advisories for its nationals that they should not visit Israel or Iran.