Iran seizing commercial vessels signals smaller risk 'all-out conflict', expert says

Analyst Hasan Alhasan of the International Institute for Strategic Studies said that if the seizure of the MSC Aries was in retaliation for Israel's strike on Iran's Damascus consulate, it showed a desire to save face without a wider escalation.

"Iran may be trying to play on fears that it could obstruct shipping through the strait [of Hormuz], a passageway of greater significance to global oil and gas supplies than the Red Sea," he said.

"If Iran were to limit itself to seizing commercial vessels linked to Israel then it would minimise the risk of an all-out conflict but damage its own credibility," he added.

Read More: Iran seizes Israel-linked cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz after threats to close waterway