Iran seizes two ships in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing maritime tensions

On Wednesday, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps seized the Liberia-flagged Epaminondas and the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing them of operating without permits and tampering with navigation systems. The vessels were escorted to Iranian shores, marking the first such seizures since the start of the current conflict. Reports also indicate that a third ship was fired upon in the area but sustained no damage. These events coincide with an unclear ceasefire status following President Donald Trump’s unilateral extension of the truce on Tuesday, which Iran has not formally acknowledged. The U.S. continues to maintain a naval blockade of Iranian trade, an action Tehran describes as an act of war. Meanwhile, peace talks remain stalled, with Iranian negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stating that a full ceasefire is contingent upon lifting the blockade. The U.S. has also reported boarding an Iranian tanker in the Indian Ocean, further complicating diplomatic efforts mediated by Pakistan.