TEHRAN – In a significant escalation in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran announced on Wednesday the seizure of two commercial vessels, the MSC Francesca and Epaminondas. According to Press TV, the vessels were intercepted for allegedly violating maritime laws and “endangering the safety” of the vital waterway.
The IRGC Navy stated that the MSC Francesca, which is reportedly linked to Israel, and the Epaminondas were operating without necessary permits and had tampered with their navigation systems to bypass regional regulations.
“Disruption of order and safety in the Strait of Hormuz is our red line,” the IRGC Navy command declared in a statement.
Iranian authorities claimed the ships ignored repeated warnings and were engaged in activities “inconsistent with innocent passage.” The vessels have since been moved to Iranian territorial waters for legal inspection and cargo verification.
The move comes amid heightened regional tensions, with Iran reiterating its stance that any breach of announced maritime laws in the Strait of Hormuz will be met with “decisive and legal action.” Global shipping watchdogs have expressed concern, noting that such seizures could further impact international trade routes and fuel prices.
