Par for the course. “Iran demands $170 million fine from Israeli billionaire over seized vessel,” i24, 10-28-25. “Iran has demanded a $170 million fine from Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer, owner of the container vessel MSC Aries, which was seized by the Revolutionary Guards in the Gulf of Oman in April 2024. According to Asghar Jahangir, spokesperson for the Iranian judiciary, Ofer is accused of “financing terrorism.” The case is currently under review by Iran’s justice system, with no trial date set. The MSC Aries, registered under the Portuguese flag, was intercepted while en route to the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media reported that the vessel is managed by Zodiac Maritime, Ofer’s shipping company, and described him as a “Zionist capitalist.” Ofer, 75, is considered Israel’s wealthiest individual, with a fortune estimated at $28.2 billion by Forbes. The seizure drew international condemnation, with Washington describing the act as piracy, while Israel urged the European Union to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization. The incident occurred just hours before Iran launched its first direct assault on Israel, involving hundreds of drones and missiles. Vessels linked to Ofer have previously been targeted by Tehran in 2021 and 2023, in attacks attributed to Iran against tankers operated by his shipping group. The MSC Aries has been managed by MSC, which oversees all commercial operations and cargo handling. The vessel is owned by Gortal Shipping Inc., which leases it to MSC on a long-term basis, giving the company responsibility for maintenance and day-to-day management. The case has placed Ofer at the center of Tehran’s latest judicial and political offensive against Israel, underscoring the intersection of international shipping, regional tensions, and geopolitical disputes in the Gulf.”
Ship hostage-taking. “Iran demands Israel’s richest man pay $170m fine after it seized cargo ship linked to him,” AFP, Times of Israel, 10-28-25.
“Iran’s Last Ally in the Middle East,” Atlantic, 10-28-25.