Iran's IRGC Seizes Two Cargo Ships in Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has seized two cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz, citing maritime violations, escalating tensions in the region.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on April 22, 2026, the seizure of two cargo vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage for global oil shipments. The IRGC identified the ships as the MSC Francesca, a Panamanian-flagged container ship, and the Epaminondas, sailing under a Liberian flag. The IRGC stated that the vessels were detained for "operating without the required authorization and for manipulating navigation systems," actions that allegedly endangered maritime safety.
The MSC Francesca is owned by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), founded by Italian billionaire Gianluigi Aponte. The vessel was reportedly carrying about 40 crew members, including nationals from Montenegro and Croatia.
This incident follows a series of maritime confrontations in the region. On April 19, U.S. forces seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman, prompting Tehran to warn of retaliation. The IRGC's recent actions are viewed by analysts as a "tit-for-tat" response to the U.S. seizure.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic chokepoint through which approximately 20% of the world's oil passes. The escalation of tensions in this area has raised concerns about the stability of global energy markets and the safety of international shipping routes.