Egypt monitors safety of 4 nationals aboard detained vessel in Iran

CAIRO – 28 January 2026: Cairo said on Wednesday it is closely monitoring the situation of Egyptian nationals aboard a maritime vessel being held by Iranian authorities, after a video circulated online showing an Egyptian citizen on board.

Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty instructed the consular affairs sector to immediately follow up on the case and take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of Egyptian citizens involved, the ministry said in a statement.

Egypt said contacts with Iranian authorities confirmed that four Egyptian nationals are on board the vessel, identified as Reem AlKhaleej.

The ship is currently docked at Bandar Abbas Port in southern Iran, after being detained off the coast of Qeshm Island.

An Egyptian official from the pertinent office in Tehran has been dispatched to the port to provide consular and legal assistance required and to work toward the swift release and safe return of the Egyptian sailors to their country, the statement added.