Iran Releases Crew of Seized Portuguese Ship, while Yemen’s Houthis Continue Attacks on International Shipping in the Red Sea.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossei Amirabdollahian has announced that the crew of the ship flying the Portuguese flag, seized by the Islamic Republic, should be released. The MSC Aries container ship with a crew of 25 was taken in the Strait of Hormuz on April 13, days after Tehran vowed to retaliate over a suspected Israeli attack on its consulate in Damascus.

Amirabdollahian expressed his concerns about the humanitarian issue of the release of the ship’s crew in a phone call to his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel. The minister promised that the crew will be handed over to their respective diplomatic representatives in Tehran, although no specific timeline was given. He stated that the Aries was seized for violating maritime laws and its connection to Israel.

In another incident, a ship was damaged by multiple missiles off the coast of Yemen, in an attack claimed by Houthi rebels. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Security Agency reported that the attack took place southwest of the Yemeni port of Mokha. The Houthis claimed responsibility for attacking the Andromeda Star and another ship, the MV Maisha. While the Andromeda Star sustained minor damage, it continued its journey undeterred.

These recent incidents follow a lull in attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis, who have targeted international shipping in the Red Sea as part of their solidarity with Palestinians amid conflict in Gaza Strip. Despite these challenges, efforts continue to ensure safety and security in maritime activities throughout