Iranians seize cargo ship linked to Israel

Iranian commandos have seized a cargo ship linked with Israel amid rising tensions between the two countries.

The Middle East had been braced for potential retaliation over a suspected Israeli strike on an Iranian consular building in Syria that killed 12 people earlier this month.

Iranian forces yesterday boarded an Israeli-linked cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a fifth of all globally traded oil passes.

Commandos from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard dropped from a Soviet-era Mil Mi-17 helicopter, using ropes, on to the deck of the MSC Aries.

The ship is associated with London-based Zodiac Maritime, which is part of Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer’s Zodiac Group.

The 25 crew members have been taken hostage and the ship has been diverted to Iran.

“We are working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure their wellbeing, and safe return of the vessel,” Zodiac Maritime said in a statement.

Israel has called for EU sanctions against Iran and the Revolutionary Guards to be deemed terrorists.

Meanwhile, the body of a missing Israeli boy has been found in the occupied West Bank after he was killed in a “terrorist attack”, according to the Israeli army.

The disappearance of 14-year-old Binyamin Achimair sparked a large attack by Israeli settlers on a Palestinian village on Friday and yesterday.