Six Iranian cargo ships, identified as Artam, Artenos, Azargoun, Daisy, Kashan, and Shiba, are currently under suspicion for espionage as they make their way to the Port of Antwerp.

Among their recent activities, the ships Azargoun and Artam made port calls in Novorossiysk, Russia, in early 2023, shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Investigations revealed that these vessels were carrying components intended for the production of weapons, ammunition, and dual-use goods with both civilian and military applications.

Western and Israeli intelligence agencies claim that these vessels have been involved in delivering weapons during their stops in Syria and Russia en route to Antwerp.

Further scrutiny showed that the six ships have been visiting Syria almost monthly, totaling at least 27 stops over 28 months from mid-2022 to late 2024.

The Artenos ship was notably reported to have docked in Venezuela in early 2023, a nation suspected of procuring Iranian military technology.

Despite attempts by Belgian security services to intercept the Iranian ships last year based on American intelligence, thorough inspections did not uncover any evidence of illicit activities.

These cargo ships, ranging from 187 to over 220 meters in length, are believed to have utilized their commercial operations as a facade for espionage activities that support the Houthi movement.