Iran seizes vessels in Hormuz
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy detains ships amid blockade tensions
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy says it intercepted two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz—identified as MSC‑Francesca, linked by Tehran to Israel, and Epaminodes—and moved them into Iranian territorial waters for inspection after alleging unauthorized operations, tampering with navigation aids and attempts to exit covertly. The IRGC said intelligence identified the ships and that inspections will review cargo and documents.
Iran has imposed special transit controls since hostilities began on February 28, requiring prior authorization and proposing a bill to ban Israeli‑linked vessels, require clearance for ships from “hostile countries,” and impose transit fees. The IRGC warned it will monitor and take legal action against breaches of these rules.
The seizures came amid tensions over a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, which Tehran condemns as unlawful and a violation of a declared ceasefire; U.S. statements extending the blockade prompted Iranian warnings of possible forceful attempts to break it. Authorities link the maritime measures to wider conflict dynamics that have disrupted shipping through the Strait—normally carrying millions of barrels of oil daily—contributing to higher energy prices. Tehran frames the actions within an escalation that began with airstrikes on February 28 and large Iranian retaliatory missile strikes.
