Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) recently fired upon three commercial vessels in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, seizing two of them, according to multiple reports. The incidents occurred shortly after US President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire with Iran, further inflaming tensions in the critical waterway. The move has been attributed to alleged maritime violations by the vessels and comes amidst a prolonged US naval blockade of Iranian ports.
"#BREAKING: Iran fires on 3 ships in Strait of Hormuz," reported Insider Wire on social media.
The seized ships were identified as the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca and the Liberia-flagged Epaminondas, both container vessels. A third vessel, reportedly the Euphoria, was also hit by gunfire and forced off course. Iranian state media, citing the IRGC, claimed the vessels were seized for "disrupting order and safety" and "manipulating navigation systems," endangering maritime safety.
These actions by Iran follow a period of heightened maritime incidents in the region, including previous Iranian gunboat attacks on tankers and US forces seizing Iranian cargo ships. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, is crucial for global energy supplies, with approximately 20% of the world's oil passing through it. The ongoing naval standoff has led to a significant reduction in oil tanker traffic, pushing Brent crude prices above $100 per barrel.
The seizures occurred as peace talks between the US and Iran remained stalled, with Iranian officials blaming the US naval blockade for hindering negotiations. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's parliamentary speaker, stated that reopening the Strait of Hormuz was "not possible under a blatant breach of the ceasefire" by the US. Panama's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the seizure of the MSC Francesca, registered under its flag, as an "unnecessary escalation" and a "serious threat to maritime security." The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has warned of "high levels of activity" in the area, urging vessels to report any suspicious behavior.
