Iran to Sell Seized US and Israeli Ships to Compensate War Victims

Iran announced its intention to sell several ships, including American and Israeli vessels, that were previously seized in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf. The proceeds from these sales are designated to compensate families and individuals affected by a recent war, according to Hassan Abdolbarianpour, head of the Judicial Power Lawyers Center. He stated that the seizures were based on judicial rulings.

While a full list of the ships slated for sale has not been released, two notable incidents involved the Panamanian-flagged MSC Francesca and the Liberian-flagged Epaminondas. These vessels were intercepted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in April and taken to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas. Both ships reportedly sustained damage from shelling, though their crews were unharmed. Technomar, representing the Epaminondas, confirmed the seizure and damage to the vessel's bridge.

In parallel actions, Tehran's prosecutor, Ali Salehi, announced the confiscation of assets belonging to 394 individuals accused of collaborating with Israel during recent conflicts and protests. This included 2,191 bank accounts and 37 vehicles. These confiscations are reportedly part of espionage-related legal proceedings, though specific charges and the total value of the seized assets remain undisclosed. Iranian authorities have previously reported similar asset seizures from individuals accused of supporting hostile states.

Experts are currently assessing damage in Iran's southern Hormozgan province and surrounding areas.