Iran seizes India-bound ship in Strait of Hormuz amid ceasefire uncertainty
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz escalated on Wednesday after Iran’s Revolutionary Guard targeted multiple vessels, including one bound for India, raising fresh concerns over the fragile US-Iran ceasefire, media reports said.
Three ships targeted, two seized by Iran
According to reports, three container ships were attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The vessels were identified as Liberia-flagged Epaminondas and Panama-flagged MSC Francesca and Euphoria.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that Epaminondas — which had declared India as its destination — and MSC Francesca were seized and escorted toward the Iranian coast.
The third vessel, Euphoria, was intercepted but not captured.
Gunfire, damage and mid-sea interception
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the first incident involved Epaminondas, which came under gunfire about 15 nautical miles northeast of Oman.
The attack reportedly caused significant damage to the ship’s bridge.
The second vessel, Euphoria, was attacked hours later about eight nautical miles west of Iran. The ship was forced to halt, though no damage or injuries were reported.
MSC Francesca was the third vessel targeted, though details about the extent of the attack remain unclear.
Iran cites 'maritime security' violations
In a statement, the IRGC Navy said the seized ships had violated maritime norms by operating without necessary permits and allegedly tampering with navigation systems.
“Disruption of order and safety in the Strait of Hormuz is our red line,” the force said, justifying its actions.
Ship-tracking data also suggested that two of the vessels were not transmitting complete navigation details while crossing the waterway.
Escalation amid fragile US-Iran ceasefire
The incidents come just hours after US President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire with Iran to allow more time for proposed peace talks.
However, uncertainty persists over the next round of negotiations, reportedly planned in Islamabad.
Iran has yet to confirm participation, and US Vice President JD Vance is said to have delayed his trip.
In parallel, US forces have intensified enforcement measures, seizing one Iranian vessel in the Gulf of Oman and intercepting two others in the Indian Ocean in recent days as part of a broader blockade.
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