Iran has seized two cargo ships after attacking them as well as a third in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the vessels of being 'non-compliant' with the regime's demands. The escalation comes as US President Donald Trump announced he would extend the ceasefire but continue the American naval blockade of Iranian ports, exerting pressure on the Islamic Republic to reopen the vital waterway.
Details of the Seizures
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) identified one seized ship as 'MSC-FRANCESCA', which they claimed belonged 'to the Zionist regime' in reference to Israel. The other vessel, 'EPAMINONDAS', was accused of 'tampering with navigation systems and jeopardising maritime security'. Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that both vessels were 'non-compliant' and had 'endangered maritime security by operating without the necessary permits'.
Both ships were struck by the IRGC before being seized, marking a clear escalation in hostilities. The IRGC stated that its naval force 'identified and stopped in the Strait of Hormuz two violating ships' and directed them to the Iranian coast. The Guards warned against any action contrary to the regulations imposed by Iran in the strait or activities that threaten safe passage.
US Response and Ceasefire Extension
President Trump announced on social media that the US had agreed to a request by Pakistani mediators 'to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal'. However, he also stated that the US Navy's blockade of Iranian trade by sea would continue. Tehran considers the blockade an act of war and has refused to lift its closure of the strait, which has caused a global energy crisis, as long as the blockade persists.
Pakistan had prepared a luxury hotel in Islamabad for peace talks, but Iran never confirmed attendance, and a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance never departed Washington. Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour, head of the Iranian mission in Egypt, told The Associated Press that communications with Pakistani mediators are ongoing 'to implement Iran’s conditions'. He stated, 'We won’t negotiate under threat. We won’t go to Islamabad before the lifting of the blockade,' accusing the US of using the ceasefire to build up forces for a possible resumption of military action.
Attacks on Additional Vessels
The IRGC-affiliated Fars news agency reported that another vessel, the Panama-flagged Euphoria, was attacked and is now grounded off the coast of Iran. The first ship targeted was the Greek-flagged Epaminondas, 15 nautical miles northeast of Oman. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) said an IRGC gunboat fired on the container ship, causing heavy damage to its bridge. Nour News, affiliated with Iran's Supreme National Security Council, disputed the ship master's account that no radio warning was given, claiming the vessel had ignored warnings.
The second ship targeted was the Panama-flagged Euphoria, which began transiting the strait at 1:10 am UTC on April 22, with Jeddah, Saudi Arabia as its destination. It came under fire eight nautical miles west of Iran at 6:38 am UTC, and the master brought the boat to a halt. The third ship attacked was the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca, around six nautical miles off the coast of Iran while heading south out of the strait into the Gulf of Oman. The vessel reported damage to the hull and accommodation.
Tehran has demanded that vessels seek permission to enter or leave the Gulf through Hormuz, a route that in peacetime accounts for a fifth of the world's oil and gas exports along with other vital commodities. The situation remains tense with no clear solution to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
