Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani denied Israeli claims at a press conference today that the Islamic Republic was involved in the Houthis' seizure of a cargo ship owned by Britons and operated by a Japanese company in the southern Red Sea. The Houthis, who are allies of Iran, have been launching long-range missiles and drones toward Israel in solidarity with the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), which is fighting in the Gaza Strip.
Israel revealed on Sunday that the Houthis in Yemen had seized a cargo ship owned by Britons and operated by Japanese nationals in the southern Red Sea, describing the incident as an "Iranian terrorist act" that would have implications for international maritime security. The Houthis announced the capture of a ship in that area, referring to it as Israeli. A Houthi spokesman stated that the group "is dealing with the ship's crew according to the teachings and values of our Islamic religion," without referencing the Israeli narrative.
The Houthis, who are allies of Tehran, are launching long-range missiles and drones at Israel in solidarity with Hamas. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno confirmed on Monday the seizure of the ship "Galaxy Leader," operated by Nippon Yusen. He added that Japan is urging the Houthis to release the ship and is seeking assistance from Saudi, Omani, and Iranian authorities for the swift release of the vessel and its crew.
He stated in a press conference, "We strongly condemn such actions," adding that there are no Japanese nationals among the crew. The "Galaxy Leader" is owned by a company based in the Isle of Man called Ray Car Carriers, a subsidiary of Ray Shipping registered in Tel Aviv. There was no immediate response from either company for comments outside of business hours.
Nippon Yusen, also known as NYK, reported that the crew consists of 25 members from the Philippines, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania, and Mexico. Last week, the Houthi leader indicated that his forces would launch more attacks on Israel and could target Israeli vessels in the Red Sea and the Bab el Mandeb Strait. An American military official stated, "We are aware of the situation and are closely monitoring it."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed the ship's seizure without naming it, stating, "There were no Israelis on board," clarifying that Israel is not involved in its ownership or operation. The office added, "This is a new Iranian terrorist act representing an escalation in Iran's aggression against the citizens of the free world, with international implications for the security of global shipping routes." On Sunday, the Houthis stated that they might target all ships owned or operated by Israeli companies or those flying the Israeli flag.
