Iran has announced the release of the crew members, including 16 Indian nationals, from the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries, a container ship seized by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps near the Strait of Hormuz on April 13, 2024.
Sources said that the Indian sailors could be home soon after some documentation was over.
The information was shared by Iranian Finance Minister Amir Abdollahian with Estonian Finance Minister Margos Tasakana informing him that the decision has been taken based humanitarian aspect.
The Iranian Finance Minister said, “The ship seized in the territorial waters of Iran turned off its radar and endangered the safety of the sailors during the detention There is a judicial decision, but Iran has released all its crew with a human eye, and in the presence of the captain of the ship, the possibility of their return to their country, including Estonia, is available.”
This diplomatic breakthrough comes after weeks of uncertainty and negotiations following the incident, which initially saw the sole woman sailor among the Indian crew, Ann Tessa Joseph, being released and sent back to India on April 18.
The Portuguese-flagged vessel, with 25 crew members on board, was apprehended by Iran amid heightened tensions in the region. The ship’s seizure was a direct response to an Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.
Indian authorities had been in constant communication with their Iranian counterparts to ensure the safety and early release of the Indian nationals on board. The Ministry of External Affairs had expressed concern over the situation and worked tirelessly to secure the release of the sailors.
India’s efforts were supported by international diplomatic channels, with the Indian foreign minister urging Iran to consider the release of the Indian crew members. This move was part of India’s broader strategy to de-escalate tensions in the region and protect the interests of its citizens.
The Iranian government’s decision to release the crew members is seen as a gesture of goodwill and a step towards de-escalating tensions in the region. The announcement was made by Iran’s Foreign Minister, who stated that the release was a “humanitarian act” aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.
The development comes as a relief for the families of the sailors and a testament to the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts in resolving international disputes. It also underscores the importance of maintaining open lines of communication and cooperation between nations, even in the face of geopolitical challenges.
As the crew members prepare to return home, the focus now shifts to the broader implications of this incident and the ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East.
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