Estonian Foreign Ministry Summons Iranian Chargé d'Affaires Demanding Release of Its Citizen

The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the chargé d'affaires of the Iranian government and demanded the release of a citizen of this country who was arrested during the seizure of the 'MSC Aries' ship by the Islamic Republic in April of this year. Margus Sahakna, the Estonian Foreign Minister, stated in an interview with Estonian Radio and Television (ERR) on Tuesday, April 23, that summoning the Iranian chargé d'affaires is the next step in the diplomatic efforts that the ministry is undertaking to ensure the freedom of the Estonian citizen. In the minister's statement, it was mentioned that 'the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the seizure of the MSC Aries during today's meeting with the Iranian chargé d'affaires and called for the immediate release of its crew, including one Estonian citizen.' The ministry is also in contact with MSC – the company that operates the ship – and according to the ship's operator, doctors were allowed to board the ship yesterday to examine all crew members. Since the MSC Aries was sailing under the Portuguese flag in international waters, the Estonian embassy in Lisbon and the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs are also working on this issue, and Portuguese officials continue their efforts to ensure the ship's release. Sahakna stated, 'Iran's actions represent a broader threat to cargo ships in seas around the world. The increasing tensions globally, especially in the Middle East, are making the work of seafarers increasingly dangerous. Targeting cargo ships is unacceptable.' The seizure of the cargo ship 'MSC Aries' occurred in the Strait of Hormuz just days after the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy threatened that they could close the Strait of Hormuz if necessary. The 'MSC Aries,' which is under the Portuguese flag and chartered by the international shipping services company 'Zodiac,' stated that it manages the ship. According to Reuters, 'Zodiac' is part of 'Ofer Global,' which is headed by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer. The U.S. Department of State strongly condemned the seizure of the 'MSC Aries' by the Islamic Republic of Iran in a correspondence with the Persian section of Voice of America on Saturday, April 14. The Estonian Foreign Minister also recognized the political decision made on Monday by the foreign and defense ministers of the European Union regarding the expansion of sanctions against the destabilizing activities of the Islamic Republic in the Middle East and considers the Islamic Republic a threat to global peace and security.