Iran Claims Seizure of Two Cargo Ships in Strait of Hormuz After U.S. Ceasefire Extension
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Wednesday that it had seized two container ships in the Strait of Hormuz, shortly after President Donald Trump extended a U.S.-Iran ceasefire to allow more time for negotiations.
The IRGC stated that the vessels, identified as the MSC Francesca and Epaminondas, were taken after attempting to navigate the waterway “without the necessary permits.” Iranian news media reported that the ships were attacked by a gunboat belonging to the Guards before being seized and escorted to Iranian shores.
Earlier on Wednesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a British Navy-run shipping monitor, reported that two ships had been attacked near the Strait of Hormuz, one by a gunboat affiliated with the IRGC. Iranian media also indicated that a third vessel had been targeted in the same area.
The Geneva-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), which operates the MSC Francesca, did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the incident.
The developments occurred hours after President Trump announced the extension of the ceasefire, which was set to expire on Wednesday evening. In a social media post, Trump said he renewed the truce at the request of Pakistan, which is mediating efforts to end the conflict. He stated that the ceasefire would remain in place until Iran’s leaders could present a unified proposal to end the war.
Despite the ceasefire extension, Trump reiterated that the United States would continue to block ships heading to and from Iranian ports—a move Iran’s foreign minister has labeled “an act of war.”
Diplomatic efforts remain underway, with Vice President JD Vance’s planned trip to Pakistan for a second round of peace talks having been postponed due to Tehran’s lack of response to American demands. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, said Iran remains open to further talks but is prepared to defend itself militarily if necessary.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, has seen heightened tensions as both the U.S. And Iran seek to assert influence over maritime traffic in the region.