Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has informed Indian authorities that they will be allowed to meet with the 17 Indian crew members of a cargo vessel seized by the Iranian military near the Strait of Hormuz. This message was conveyed during a phone call with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, as per an Iranian statement.

During the conversation, Jaishankar emphasized the need for the release of the Indian crew aboard the Portuguese-flagged cargo ship MSC Aries. Amir-Abdollahian assured that details about the seized ship would be shared, enabling Indian government representatives to meet with the crew soon.

The Indian readout of the call stated that Jaishankar expressed concern for the well-being of the 17 Indian crew members and sought Iran's assistance in addressing the situation.

The vessel, MSC Aries, was seized by Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Special Naval Forces reportedly due to its alleged ties with Israel. The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) confirmed its cooperation with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of all 25 crew members, comprising Indian, Filipino, Pakistani, Russian, and Estonian nationals, and the return of the vessel.

India is actively engaging with Iran to secure the release of its 17 citizens aboard the detained cargo ship.