Iran’s IRGC Navy says it seized the container ships MSC Francesca and Epaminondas in the Strait of Hormuz on April 22, claiming maritime violations and navigation tampering. The reports say both vessels were redirected into Iranian waters, with Iranian state-linked outlets also sharing footage of the operation.
Tehran’s account is that the ships were operating without proper authorisation and had interfered with navigation systems, which it framed as a threat to maritime safety. The IRGC has presented the move as enforcement of its rules for passage through the strait.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy and container traffic, so even a limited seizure can rattle shipping markets and raise insurance risk. Reports also said a third vessel may have been targeted in the same area, which would widen concern about further disruption.business-standard
When questioned about the seizure, US President Donald Trump immediately refused to anwer questions and asked the reporters to leave the Oval Office.
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