German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said she will call at the European level to further sanction Iran after its retaliatory attack on “Israel.”
Speaking with broadcaster ARD, Baerbock said on April 14, “I actively advocate that they [sanctions] be expanded against Iran, because we see how dangerous its actions are.”
The German Foreign Ministry also revealed that in a phone call with her Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amir-ِbdollahian, she asked for the release of the MSC ِAries container ship seized by the IRGC in Gulf waters.
“In another phone call with Iranian FM Amir-Abdollahian today, Baerbock condemned the attack on Israel in the strongest possible terms. She called on Iran to immediately cease all violence against Israel, release the MSC Aries, and contribute to de-escalation,” the ministry said on X.
In another phone call with Iranian FM Amir-Abdollahian today, @abaerbock condemned the attack on Israel in the strongest possible terms. She called on Iran to immediately cease all violence against Israel, release the #MSCAries and contribute to de-escalation.
— GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) April 14, 2024
IRGC seize ‘Israel’-linked vessel near Strait of Hormuz
Footage obtained by The Associated Press (AP) showed the IRGC Navy seizing an “Israel”-linked vessel near the Strait of Hormuz on April 13.
One defense official who requested anonymity to discuss intelligence matters, shared the video with the AP. In the footage, IRGC Navy members were seen rappelling down onto a stack of containers on the vessel’s deck.
A crew member aboard the ship could be heard instructing, “Don’t come out,” before urging colleagues to proceed to the ship’s bridge as additional commandos descended onto the deck.
The vessel in question is the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries, a container ship linked to London-based Zodiac Maritime, owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer’s Zodiac Group.
Source » almayadeen