IRGC Intercepts Two Vessels in Strait of Hormuz Amid Renewed Maritime Tensions
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said its naval forces intercepted two vessels on Wednesday in the Strait of Hormuz over alleged violations, escalating already heightened tensions in one of the world’s most strategic shipping lanes.
In a statement, the IRGC Navy identified the vessels as MSC Francesca and Epaminodes. It claimed both ships were stopped for repeated violations, including operating without authorization and allegedly interfering with navigation systems. According to the statement, the vessels were attempting to exit the strait “covertly” before being intercepted based on intelligence monitoring. Both ships were subsequently transferred to Iranian territorial waters for inspection of cargo and documentation.
The IRGC Navy said it continues to closely monitor maritime traffic in the waterway, warning that any breach of navigation rules or threats to maritime security would be met with “decisive and legal action.”
Separately, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported early Wednesday that a cargo ship came under gunfire approximately eight nautical miles off Iran’s coast in the Strait of Hormuz. The agency said the vessel was fired upon but later stopped, with no reported damage or casualties. In another incident, a container ship reported being approached by a gunboat believed to be linked to the IRGC.
UKMTO added that it has recorded dozens of incidents involving attacks and suspicious maritime activity in the region since late February, reflecting persistent instability following the outbreak of conflict involving Iran, the United States, and the Zionist entity. A brief ceasefire was announced on April 8, followed by limited US–Iran talks in Islamabad on April 11–12, though no agreement was reached.
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran indefinitely, even as tensions continue to affect shipping routes through the strategic strait.
