Iran Seizes Two Commercial Ships in Strait of Hormuz Amid Stalled US Talks

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized two commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first maritime captures since the US-Israeli war against Iran began in late February, Reuters reported on April 22.

The seizures occurred as US President Donald Trump extended a pause on military strikes and peace talks between Washington and Tehran stalled.

The Revolutionary Guards detained the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca and the Liberia-flagged Epaminondas, citing maritime violations such as operating without permits and tampering with navigation systems. The Greek-operated Epaminondas reported taking gunfire roughly 20 nautical miles off the coast of Oman, sustaining damage to its bridge without any casualties. A third Liberia-flagged vessel was also fired upon but managed to escape undamaged.

Tehran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to unauthorized traffic, choking off 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Reuters estimates that, following the ship seizures, Brent crude futures rose 2.5% to $101 a barrel.

Trump announced late April 21 that the US agreed to a request from Pakistani mediators to pause attacks on Iran to allow for a unified proposal and further discussions. However, the US maintains its naval blockade on Iranian maritime trade.

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Tehran views the blockade as an act of war and insists the Strait will remain closed until it is lifted. In turn, Iran showcased ballistic weapons during a parade in Tehran on April 21.

Diplomatic efforts currently remain deadlocked. Scheduled talks collapsed on April 21 when both delegations failed to attend. Washington is demanding Iran halt highly enriched uranium production, while Tehran seeks an end to the war, sanctions relief, war reparations, and formal recognition of its control over the Strait.

Reuters writes that the diplomatic process is further strained by a recent Israeli strike in southern Lebanon, as Iran had conditioned its participation in talks on a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

The US has recently siezed sanctioned Iranian oil tanker M/T Tifani in Indian Ocean. As the US enforces its naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman—recently seizing the Iranian cargo vessel Touska and turning back 27 ships—Iran has responded by capturing commercial vessels.

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