The Naval Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on 22/4 that it seized two cargo vessels, the MSC Francesca and Epaminodes, in the Strait of Hormuz. The MSC Francesca is allegedly Israeli-owned. Iranian forces then escorted the two vessels into Iranian territorial waters for cargo and document inspection.

The IRGC stated that the Francesca and Epaminodes were "operating without the necessary permits" in Hormuz and repeatedly violated Iranian regulations for the strait. The IRGC further accused the vessels of falsifying navigation aid systems and threatening maritime security to secretly transit the strait.

The Francesca, as published by Iranian media. Photo: Tasnim

"Harassing order and safety in the Strait of Hormuz is a red line for Iran. With the force's overwhelming intelligence superiority, these vessels were identified and intercepted, protecting Iran's rights to its waters," the IRGC said.

The force warned it would continue to closely monitor all activities in the area, prepared to implement decisive measures in accordance with Iranian law against violations.

The IRGC issued the announcement shortly after maritime security organizations reported several incidents in the area. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated that at least three container vessels were targeted while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on 22/4.

One vessel reported IRGC speedboats approached and opened fire on it approximately 15 nautical miles northeast of the Omani coast. The bridge sustained significant damage, but the entire crew remained safe.

Location of the Strait of Hormuz. Graphic: Guardian

Another incident occurred about 8 nautical miles west of the Iranian coast, where a cargo ship was fired upon and forced to stop at sea. No damage or casualties were reported.

UKMTO later stated that armed Iranian boats fired upon a second container vessel operating about 8 nautical miles west of the Iranian coast. The vessel, sailing under a Panamanian flag, was undamaged and all crew members were safe.

Maritime security sources reported a third container vessel, flying a Liberian flag, was hit by gunfire in the same area while transiting out of the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel was undamaged, stopped at sea, and its crew remained safe.

The IRGC issued a statement saying it is prepared to counter any new acts of aggression in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic shipping lane, a transit point for approximately 20% of global oil and gas supplies. Iran has effectively blockaded the strait, requiring commercial vessels to seek permission or pay fees to pass. Meanwhile, the US Navy enforces a blockade outside the Gulf of Oman, warning it would seize any vessel arriving at or departing from Iranian ports, or that had paid fees to Tehran.

This situation subjects commercial vessels to a "double blockade" when operating in the Strait of Hormuz. Tensions in this vital shipping lane remain high, despite the US extending a ceasefire on 21/4 to facilitate negotiation efforts.

By Thanh Danh (Source: PressTV, CNN, AFP)