Iran Seizes Two Ships in Strait of Hormuz Amid Ceasefire Extension

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) seized two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, shortly after President Donald Trump announced an indefinite extension of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire. The IRGC stated that the ships, identified as the MSC Francesca and the Epaminondas, were detained for "disrupting order and safety in the Strait of Hormuz" and have been escorted to the Iranian coast.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that an Iranian gunboat fired upon a container ship approximately 15 nautical miles northeast of Oman, causing significant damage to the vessel's bridge. All crew members were reported safe.

President Trump's decision to extend the ceasefire came at the request of Pakistani mediators, aiming to provide Iran's leadership additional time to present a unified proposal. Despite the extension, the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect.

Iranian officials have expressed skepticism regarding the ceasefire extension. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the U.S. blockade constitutes an act of war and violates the ceasefire agreement.

The recent escalation in the Strait of Hormuz has further disrupted global oil shipping, leading to increased oil prices and heightened concerns over maritime security in the region.