The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has intercepted and seized two commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz accusing them of maritime violations and endangering navigation safety.
The IRGC identified the ships as the “MSC-FRANCESCA” and the “EPAMINONDAS.” In a statement released on Wednesday morning, the Iranian military alleged that the vessels were operating without authorization manipulating their navigation systems, and attempting to exit the strategic waterway covertly. The IRGC claimed one of the ships is linked to Israel. Both vessels have been moved to Iranian territorial waters for inspection.
This move follows a significant escalation in regional tensions. Hours earlier U.S. President Donald Trump announced an extension of a temporary ceasefire to allow Pakistani mediators more time to facilitate peace talks. However, the U.S. has maintained its naval blockade of Iranian ports, which Tehran cites as a "flagrant breach" of any truce.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stated that reopening the strait is impossible while the U.S. blockade remains in place. "The only way forward is recognizing the Iranian people's rights" Qalibaf posted on X.
The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a global energy crisis with the IRGC warning that any further disruption to their control of the waterway remains a "red line."
