Vessel Struck in Iraq Port in 'Unprovoked Attack'

The world's largest shipping group, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), reported that one of its vessels was struck by two projectiles while it was docked at Iraq's Umm Qasr port. The company confirmed that all crew members aboard the ship are safe and unharmed. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for the incident, characterizing it as an unprovoked attack on a neutral commercial carrier.

MSC described the attack as deeply concerning, emphasizing the significant risks it poses to innocent seafarers and essential maritime trade in the region. The IRGC, a powerful branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, stated that the MSC ship has been "officially operating in Israel since 1990" and annually moves over 600,000 containers through Israeli ports, according to Iran's state news agency Tasnim. This claim appears to be the justification provided by the IRGC for the strike.

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It annually moves more than 600,000 containers (TEU) in Israeli ports.

The incident occurs amidst heightened regional tensions. The IRGC also reported that 24 ships had transited the Strait of Hormuz in the preceding 24 hours under their coordination and security. This waterway has been a point of contention, particularly after Iran effectively closed it following strikes by the U.S. and Israel in February, despite principles of free navigation under international maritime law.

The U.S. responded to previous actions by enforcing a naval blockade of Iran. Control over the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical issue, central to potential agreements between Washington and Tehran regarding the waterway's reopening and the lifting of the U.S. blockade.

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It is "deeply concerned" by the attacks and the “risk they create for its innocent seafarers and essential maritime trade in the region.”