Two ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz have reportedly been seized by Iran’s IRGC for “manipulating navigation systems and endangering safety in the Strait of Hormuz”, and are being taken to Iran, according to state media.
"Two violating ships, "MSC-FRANCESCA" (linked to the Zionist regime) and "EPAMINODES," which endangered maritime security by operating without the necessary permits and tampering with navigation systems, were seized by the IRGC Navy and directed to the coast of Iran," the IRGC Navy said in a statement.
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“Disruption of order and safety in the Strait of Hormuz is our red line.”
The vessels are identified as MSC-FRANCESCA and EPAMINONDES. According to Marinetraffic website, EPAMINONDES – a container ship sailing under the flag of Liberia – was headed to Gujarat from Jebel Ali in Dubai.
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Three vessels attacked by Iran
Earlier today, at least three container ships were attacked by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. Confirming the first attack, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) said an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) gunboat fired on a container ship about 15 nautical miles northeast of Oman.
{{/usCountry}}Earlier today, at least three container ships were attacked by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. Confirming the first attack, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) said an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) gunboat fired on a container ship about 15 nautical miles northeast of Oman.
{{/usCountry}}A second incident involved the Panama-flagged Euphoria, owned by a UAE-based firm, which was reportedly attacked around eight nautical miles west of Iran. UKMTO stated that the crew remained unharmed and the ship did not suffer any damage.
The Panama-flagged MSC Francesca was also targeted roughly six nautical miles off Iran’s coast while sailing south from the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman. According to maritime intelligence firm Vanguard, the ship reported damage to its hull and accommodation areas.
Trump extends ceasefire
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday extended the ceasefire, hours before it was set to expire, adding that the truce will continue until Iran submits a “unified proposal” to end the conflict permanently.
A second round of talks was scheduled in Pakistan, but the White House suspended Vice President JD Vance’s planned trip to Islamabad as Iran rebuffed efforts to restart negotiations.
Iran acknowledged the ceasefire extension but didn't say Tehran was ready to attend a new round of talks to end the war.
(With inputs from BBC)