A recent investigation by Follow The Money (FTM) has uncovered alarming allegations that Iranian container ships docking at the Port of Antwerp may have been engaged in espionage activities.
The report suggests that the vessels could be providing intelligence to the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, as well as transporting weapon components to Iranian allies in the Middle East.
Suspicious Voyages and Houthi Attacks
According to FTM, one Iranian vessel, the ‘Shiba,’ exhibited a pattern of suspicious behavior during its 11 voyages between Iran and Belgium.
The ship reportedly loitered off the coast of Yemen for extended periods, each time preceding a Houthi attack on US or Western-owned container ships in the Red Sea.
The Houthis, an armed group backed by Tehran, have been targeting international shipping in what they describe as an act of solidarity with Palestinian group Hamas in its war against Israel.
Western security officials suspect that the Shiba relayed critical shipping details to the Houthis, allowing them to target specific vessels with missile strikes.
The investigation also highlights five other Iranian ships—Artam, Artenos, Azargoun, Daisy, and Kashan—that regularly dock in Antwerp and are suspected of similar activities.
Potential Arms Transfers and Secretive Shipments
Beyond espionage, the ships may also be playing a role in illicit arms transfers. Intelligence sources suggest that Iranian vessels could be smuggling weapons, weapon components, and dual-use items to Hezbollah via Syria.
Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, reportedly lost a key supply route after the fall of the Syrian government under Bashar al-Assad. The group’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, has acknowledged the impact of losing its Syrian supply chain.
FTM found that six Iranian vessels, including the Shiba, had made frequent stops at Syrian ports—27 times between June 2022 and October 2024.
Some of these visits involved ‘dark port calls,’ in which ships deactivate their Automatic Identification System (AIS) to avoid detection in international shipping records. The Shiba was identified as making at least one such secretive stop.
Russian Connection Raises Further Concerns
The investigation also uncovered that two of the suspect vessels, Azargoun and Artam, had docked at the Russian port of Novorossiysk.
While the purpose of these visits remains unclear, the connections between Iranian shipping routes and Russia raise concerns about broader geopolitical implications, particularly given Moscow’s alliances with Tehran and Damascus.
Security Implications for Antwerp and Western Allies
The revelations pose significant security concerns for Belgium and its allies. The Port of Antwerp, one of Europe’s busiest shipping hubs, handles a substantial portion of global trade.
If Iranian ships are using commercial trade as a cover for espionage or arms trafficking, Western security agencies may need to reassess port security protocols and international trade policies.
Authorities in Belgium have yet to comment publicly on the allegations, but international intelligence agencies are reportedly scrutinizing Iranian shipping activities more closely.
With heightened tensions in the Red Sea and the broader Middle East, the potential link between Iranian vessels and military operations is likely to attract further scrutiny in the coming weeks.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
