Iran’s IRGC intercepts two vessels in Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated on Wednesday that its naval forces intercepted two vessels in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC Navy identified the ships as MSC Francesca — which it described as “linked to Israel” — and Epaminodes. According to the statement, the vessels were stopped for repeated violations, including unauthorized operation and alleged interference with navigation systems.

Ships transferred for inspection

The IRGC said the vessels were attempting to exit the strait “covertly” and were intercepted based on intelligence monitoring. Both ships have been transferred to Iranian territorial waters for inspection of their cargo and documentation. The IRGC Navy warned that any actions violating Iran’s navigation rules or threatening maritime security would be met with “decisive and legal action.”

Separate gunfire incidents reported

Earlier Wednesday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a cargo ship came under gunfire near Iran’s coast in the strait — the second such incident that day. No damage or casualties were reported. A container ship also reported being approached by an IRGC-linked gunboat. Tensions remain high since the outbreak of war between Iran, the US, and Israel on February 28. A two-week ceasefire was announced on April 8, and US-Iran talks in Islamabad ended without an agreement. President Trump has since extended the ceasefire indefinitely.