Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has said it seized at least two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, as tensions persist in the region despite a recently announced ceasefire extension by US President Donald Trump.
In a statement, the IRGC Navy said it had detained two ships: MSC Francesca and Epaminondas, accusing them of “jeopardising maritime security" and operating without necessary permits, as well as allegedly tampering with navigation systems. The vessels were directed towards the Iranian coast, it said.
Iranian forces reportedly fired on three commercial vessels and seized two in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said multiple ships were targeted, while Iranian media confirmed the Revolutionary Guard detained two vessels, identified as MSC Francesca and Epaminodes. Iran has not formally responded, with a diplomat saying talks won’t resume unless the blockade is lifted.
A vessel was reportedly fired upon by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, with the UKMTO saying no warning was given, while Iranian media claimed the ship ignored prior warnings. Reports also mentioned a third vessel, Euphoria, possibly stranded near Iran’s coast.
The Strait of Hormuz vital for global oil shipments has seen rising tensions, with over 30 maritime incidents reported since late February and oil prices climbing above $98 per barrel. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has warned it is ready to escalate further.
