(Communicated by the MFA Spokesperson)
Earlier today (5 March 2014), the Israeli Navy exposed a shipment of missiles making its way to the Gaza Strip.
The Navy had proceeded to visit and search a vessel named KLOS C, in accordance with international law and with the consent of relevant authorities. The flag state and the countries of origin of crew members were duly informed.
The ship, which was navigating in the Red Sea, flies the flag of Panama, and is operated by a company registered in the Marshall Islands.
The missiles and weapons found on the ship were loaded and concealed by Iran, without the advertency of either the crew or the operating company. The weapons were intended for Palestinian terror groups in Gaza, who would use it to harm Israeli civilians, as they have done in the past.
Thus, Iran repeatedly violates Security Council resolutions 1747 and 1929, which forbid it to export any kind of military material. By smuggling weapons to the Gaza Strip it violates Security Council resolutions 1373 and 1860.
Iran continues to endanger international navigation routes and brazenly violates a number of Security Council resolutions with the aim of destabilizing the region and disseminate terror and war.
Smuggling is carried out by the “Quds Force”, which is part of the Revolutionary Guards. This is a state branch operating under authority and clearance of the Iranian government, led by Rouhani.
Israel will lodge a formal complaint with the Security Council and with the sanctions committee, established under Security Council resolution 1737.
The ship’s crew is safe and sound.