On Wednesday, April 22, Iran’s navy said that it has seized two cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz and taken them to the country’s coast. This comes after reports earlier in the day that three vessels came under fire from Iranian forces. Notably, Iran’s actions come a day after US President Donald Trump unilaterally extended the ceasefire with Iran.
Despite the ceasefire, the strait remains blocked with Iran and the US imposing their own separate blockades in the strait.
In a statement, the IRGC Navy said it had detained two ships — MSC Francesca and Epaminondas — accusing them of “jeopardising maritime security” and operating without necessary permits, as well as allegedly tampering with navigation systems.
The vessels were then diverted towards the Iranian coast. Among the 2 ships seized, Epaminondas was headed towards India.
Iran’s statement further added that the two seized vessels will have their cargo and documents examined.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump had announced that he is extending the ceasefire in the region, but evidently, the ceasefire is having no effect on the curtailment of movement in the Strait of Hormuz.
