UK says seizure of cargo ship by Iran 'unacceptable and blatant violation of international law'

By Necva Tastan

ISTANBUL (AA) - The seizure of cargo ship MSC Aries by Iran is "unacceptable and a blatant violation of international law," the UK's defense secretary said on Saturday.

"We call for the unconditional release of the ship and its crew without delay," Grant Shapps said on X.

"We are working with partners to prevent escalation in the Middle East. Iran must cease their destabilising behaviour immediately," he added.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. The ship was seized by the marine unit of the IRGC in a special heliborne operation, state-run news agency IRNA said.

Tehran has already warned it would retaliate for the April 1 Israeli strike on its Syria consulate, which also killed a senior IRGC commander and his deputy.

Israel says it will respond if Iran attacks from its territory, while Tehran has been urged to exercise restraint.