Iranian Forces Seize Two Ships in Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Blockades
Iranian forces have seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passed during peacetime. The seizures, reported by Iranian state media and confirmed by multiple sources, mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran, the US, and their allies.
According to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), naval forces stopped two ships attempting to cross the strait on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, and directed them to the Iranian coast. The Guard identified the vessels as the MSC Francesca and the Epaminodes, stating they had "allegedly operated without authorization, repeatedly violated regulations, manipulated navigational aid systems and sought to covertly exit the Strait of Hormuz, endangering maritime security." The ship owners could not be immediately reached for comment.
The seizures come as the US and Iran continue to impose separate blockades on the strait, a standoff that has choked global energy markets and raised doubts about stalled peace negotiations. The US has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, while Iran has effectively closed the strait to shipping, according to reports.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that the US has "total control over the strait of Hormuz," but this assertion has been questioned in light of the Iranian seizures. Trump also announced an extension of the ceasefire with Iran, pending a "unified proposal" from Tehran's leadership, which he described as "seriously fractured."
The Pentagon has warned that it could take up to six months to clear all suspected mines from the strait, according to a report in the Washington Post. The report estimated that approximately 20 mines had been placed, some deposited by small boats and others remotely manoeuvred into place, making them harder to locate. A Pentagon spokesperson described the report as "inaccurate" but did not provide specific objections.
Iran's use of small, fast boats in the seizures highlights a tactical shift. According to maritime security specialists, Iran was estimated to have hundreds, if not thousands, of these boats before the war, often hidden in coastal tunnels, naval bases, or among civilian vessels. Greek maritime security company Diaplous told Reuters that speedboat attacks now form part of a "layered system of threats," alongside shore-based missiles, drones, mines, and electronic interference.
The impact of the dual blockades has been compounded by the presence of sea mines, and the closure of the strait has caused significant economic disruption. Countries in Asia have been particularly hard hit by shortages of fuel, fertilizer, and other raw materials, according to reports.
In a related development, the speaker of the Iranian parliament and lead negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said late Wednesday that reopening the Strait of Hormuz would be "impossible" while the US and Israel committed "flagrant" breaches of the ceasefire, including the US naval blockade, "the hostage-taking of the world's economy," and "Zionist warmongering."
The seizures mark the first time Iran has taken control of ships since the war began on February 28, and follow the US seizure of an Iranian cargo vessel and the boarding of an Iranian oil tanker in the Indian Ocean. The ongoing standoff has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation and the long-term impact on global trade.