A Greek-owned vessel, the Epaminondas, was seized by Iranian military forces in the Persian Gulf, with the shipowner confirming that armed personnel from Iran are now on board. Greek authorities said the crew has been safely evacuated and is no longer in danger. The Greek Ministry of Merchant Shipping stated that the sailors had left the vessel and were transferred to a secure location after the incident.

According to testimonies from crew members reported in Greek media, the ship was attacked by soldiers from Iran's Revolutionary Guard near the coast of Oman. The sailors said the vessel suffered serious damage during the operation. Iranian authorities later informed the shipping company that the captain had allegedly ignored instructions to alter the ship's course, which they presented as the reason for the intervention.

However, crew members disputed that version, insisting that ?there was no warning at all? before Iranian forces opened fire and boarded the ship. Their account raises questions over the circumstances surrounding the seizure and whether the captain had been given any chance to respond before the military action began.

Greek officials are closely monitoring the situation as tensions remain high in the region. According to the Ministry of Merchant Shipping, 14 merchant vessels and tankers flying the Greek flag are currently operating in the Persian Gulf area, with at least 90 Greek sailors on board. Shipping Minister Vassilis Kikilias said the ministry remains in ????????? contact with all captains in the area in an effort to prevent further incidents and, as he stressed, ?to save the lives of the sailors.?