The Iranian authorities detained the ship. Iran's ambassador to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was summoned. Portugal did not like the explanations given so far
Portugal makes three demands: the immediate release of the MSC Aries ship; Release of the crew and decent treatment from the crew. These demands were submitted directly to the Iranian ambassador to Portugal, and arise because the Portuguese government “did not consider the explanations provided so far to be consistent.”
The message was delivered by Director General of Foreign Policy Roy Vinhues during his reception of the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Majid Tavarshi, who was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday morning. “In light of Portugal’s obligations as a flag state,” the Portuguese government once again called for the immediate release of the MSC Aries vessel seized in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, as well as the release of the crew “who must be treated with dignity while the ship remains trapped.”
The State Department reveals that it will await the results of this official investigation and “will evaluate further steps accordingly.” Iran says it seized the ship for “violating regulations” and stated that the ship belonged to the “Zionist regime.”
According to a note sent to the media about this meeting with the Iranian ambassador, the Portuguese government also expressed its “deep concern about the escalation of the conflict in the region,” called for “maximum containment,” and also reiterated its “strong and unequivocal condemnation.” “For the latest attack carried out against the State of Israel.”
The Portuguese ambassador in Tehran met on Sunday with the head of Iranian diplomacy to obtain clarification regarding the detention of the ship in the Strait of Hormuz. The MSC Aries vessel, flying Portuguese flag and registered in the autonomous community of Madeira, is owned by Zodiac Maritime Limited, based in London.
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'This is where the taxes and the crew are paid': Portugal has 'responsibilities that cannot be ignored' regarding ship seized by Iran
