Iran seizes ships near Hormuz Strait
IRGC detains vessels over alleged rule violations
Iranian state television broadcast footage of two container ships, MSC Francesca and Epaminondas, seized and anchored near the Strait of Hormuz after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps intercepted them for allegedly attempting to transit without authorization. IRGC footage showed armed speedboats and said the strait was under “continuous and intelligent monitoring,” with many vessels reportedly waiting at the Persian Gulf entrance for IRGC Navy instructions. Authorities said the ships were transferred into Iranian territorial waters for inspection of cargo, documents and navigation records, accusing them of repeatedly violating regulations and endangering maritime safety.
The IRGC warned that attempts to flout Iran’s passage rules or manipulate navigation aids will be met with “firm and legal action” after monitoring and assessment. State media framed the seizure as an unprecedented assertion of control over the strategic waterway. The incidents occurred amid heightened tensions: U.S. President Donald Trump publicly dismissed the threat posed by Iranian vessels and said he ordered the Navy to take lethal action against boats laying mines, while Tehran has insisted it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz to traffic until Washington lifts a blockade on Iranian shipping imposed during the ceasefire.
