Portugal protests against attack on Israel and seizure of commercial ship; Iran's ambassador summoned

The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Iranian ambassador was summoned on Tuesday, April 17, regarding Iran's missile attack on Israel and the seizure of a Portuguese-flagged ship by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) last week. According to the website of the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Director-General of Foreign Policy condemned the missile and drone attack by the Islamic Republic on Israel on the night of April 15, in the strongest and most decisive terms. This official expressed the deep concern of the Portuguese government over the escalation of conflicts in the region and called for maximum restraint. Previously, Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro had also called for restraint from both parties and prevention of the escalation of violence. The unprecedented attacks by the Islamic Republic on Israel have faced a wave of global condemnation, with leaders from many countries, especially the United States, emphasizing the need to reduce tensions and hold Tehran accountable. On Saturday night, the Islamic Republic launched over 300 missiles and drones towards Israel. According to Israeli and U.S. officials, many of these missiles and drones were intercepted by Israel's air defense and with assistance from the air forces of several countries, including the U.S., U.K., France, and Jordan. Additionally, the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its call for the immediate release of a commercial ship seized by the Islamic Republic. This ship, flying the Portuguese flag, was seized by the IRGC in the Strait of Hormuz, and its crew is currently detained. The official from the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded that the crew receive adequate medical care until their release and noted that Iran's explanations regarding the seizure of the ship have been contradictory. According to this report, the Director-General of Foreign Policy stated that Lisbon is awaiting further actions from the Islamic Republic and will base its future actions on this. According to the state news agency IRNA, the IRGC seized a cargo ship 'linked to Israel' in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department referred to this action by the IRGC as 'piracy' and called for the release of the ship and all its crew. The seizure of the cargo ship 'MSC Aris' flying the Portuguese flag in the Strait of Hormuz occurred after the Islamic Republic threatened to retaliate for an airstrike on April 2 attributed to it, which targeted its consulate in Damascus, Syria, and resulted in the deaths of several senior IRGC members. Ali Bagheri commented on Israel's possible reaction: 'This time they will not have 12 days.' The Chief of Staff of the Israeli army stated: 'Iran will face the consequences of its actions.' The German Foreign Minister is traveling to Israel to prevent further escalation of tensions. A Reuters report outlined Israel's options for a possible response to the Islamic Republic: airstrikes, cyber operations, covert operations, and diplomacy. An Israeli media outlet stated that Israel will respond 'clearly and forcefully' to the Iranian government's attack; NBC reported that Israel's response could be 'imminent.' A letter from the Israeli Foreign Minister to 32 countries called for sanctions against the Iranian government's missile program.