17 Indian nationals among 25 aboard ship seized by Iran off the coast of UAE: Sources

Seventeen Indian nationals among 25-member crew aboard the Israel-linked MSC ARIES container ship was seized by Iran  in the Gulf of Hormuz and is currently en route towards Iran's territorial waters

The container ship, MCS Aries, was captured near the Strait of Hormuz through a "heliborne operation." The MSC Aries was last seen on Friday, sailing towards the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Dubai, according to the sources. 

A source stated, "We are aware that Iran has taken control of the cargo ship 'MSC Aries'. We have received information that there are 17 Indian nationals on board. We are engaged in communication with Iranian authorities through diplomatic channels, both in Tehran and Delhi, to ensure the safety, well-being, and prompt release of the Indian crew members."

The US has been on high alert for a significant Iranian retaliatory attack on Israel in recent days, as fears grow of a wider regional war.

There remains a "real, credible and viable" threat of Iran launching strikes, the White House said on Friday, following Israel's attack on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria last week, killing three Iranian generals.

"In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indians are advised not to travel to Iran or Israel until further notice. All those who are currently residing in Iran or Israel are requested to get in touch with Indian embassies there and register themselves," the Ministry of External Affairs stated in an official release.

"We're watching this very, very closely," said John Kirby, the US National Security Council spokesman, who declined to provide information about the expected timing of the threat.