Ankara: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that its naval forces intercepted two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday due to alleged violations. The vessels, identified as MSC Francesca, which the IRGC described as 'linked to Israel,' and Epaminodes, were reportedly stopped for repeated violations, including operating without authorization and allegedly tampering with navigation systems.
According to Anadolu Agency, the IRGC Navy stated that the vessels were attempting to exit the strait 'covertly' and were intercepted following intelligence monitoring. Both vessels have been transferred to Iranian territorial waters for inspection of their cargo and documentation. The IRGC Navy emphasized that it continues to monitor maritime traffic in the waterway and warned that any actions violating Iran's navigation rules or threatening maritime security would be met with 'decisive and legal action.'
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported earlier on Wednesday that a cargo ship came under gunfire near Iran's coast in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the second such reported incident of the day. The agency noted that a vessel was fired upon approximately 8 nautical miles west of Iran's coast and later stopped, though no damage or casualties were reported. Additionally, a container ship reported being approached by a gunboat linked to the IRGC near the strait.
The UKMTO has received numerous reports of attacks and suspicious activities affecting vessels in the region since late February. Tensions have remained high following the outbreak of war between Iran, the United States, and Israel on February 28. A two-week ceasefire was announced on April 8, and the US and Iran engaged in rare direct talks in Islamabad on April 11-12, although the discussions ended without an agreement.
Iran briefly eased restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz before re-imposing control amid ongoing disputes over maritime security and sanctions enforcement. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran indefinitely, just a day before the truce was set to expire.