Article by Viory
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has released footage it says shows naval forces seizing two vessels accused of violating maritime regulations in the Strait of Hormuz, amid heightened tensions with the United States.
The video shows a small boat approaching a container ship before personnel climb aboard. The location and timing of the footage could not be independently verified.
In a statement, the Revolutionary Guard said two vessels, identified as the MSC Francesca and the Ibaminoudes, were intercepted and transferred to Iranian territorial waters.
“The two ships were operating without authorisation, repeatedly violating regulations, tampering with navigation systems, endangering maritime security, and intending to exit the Strait of Hormuz secretly,” the statement said.
It added that the vessels were taken for inspection of ‘cargo, documents, and records’.
The IRGC warned that any activity it deems a threat to navigation in the strategic waterway would face ‘continuous monitoring’ and ‘decisive legal measures’. No comment has been issued by the ships’ owners.
Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said in a post that security in the strait ‘is not free’, suggesting Iran would not allow restrictions on its oil exports while others benefit from safe passage.
The developments come as US President Donald Trump said Iran was ‘collapsing financially’ amid ongoing pressure linked to the partial closure of the strait.
Trump also confirmed the extension of a ceasefire with Iran, while maintaining a naval blockade on Iranian ports until Tehran presents a ‘unified proposal’ in ongoing talks.
Tehran has described US actions in the Strait of Hormuz as ‘acts of war’, indicating it will observe the ceasefire only in line with its ‘national interests’.
The standoff follows a conditional two-week ceasefire agreed on April 8, after weeks of escalation triggered by the joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.
Article by Viory
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