Iran released seven crew members from the Portuguese-flagged ship MSC Aries, which was seized in the Gulf on April 13. Among those freed were five Indians, along with a Filipino and an Estonian, Portugal’s foreign ministry said.

Iran claimed that the container ship belonged to Israel when it was seized.

Portugal has welcomed the release of seven crew members from the seized ship but has demanded the ‘immediate release’ of the remaining 17 crew members and the ship itself.

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Why did Iran seize the ship?

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy seized the container ship MSC Aries with 17 Indian nationals on board near the Strait of Hormuz on April 13. The ship was last seen heading towards the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Dubai on April 12.

It came amid heightened hostilities, including a drone attack by Iranian forces against Israel.

The spokesman of the Iranian Foreign Ministry said at the time that it is certain that the plane belongs to the Zionist regime.

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India-Iran diplomatic channel activated.

During a phone call on April 14, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed the release of Indian ships with his Iranian counterpart Hussain Amir Abdullahian. Jaishankar expressed concern over the staff situation and sought help from Iran.

Amir Abdullahian assured that Indian officials would be allowed to meet the crew.

Four Filipinos, two Pakistanis, a Russian and an Estonian were on board the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship along with the Indian owner.

Also read- Among the 17 Indian crew members of the plane seized by Iran, a woman from Kerala also returned home.

Earlier, the only Indian woman sailor was released.

Ann Tessa Joseph, the only woman among the 17 Indian crew members, was released. While the rest of the staff were allowed to meet the Indian authorities.