Iran s IRGC Navy claims it has seized two ships in Strait of Hormuz - state media

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy of Iran has reportedly taken control of two ships in the Strait of Hormuz, according to state media. The Tasnim news agency stated that the vessels, identified as the MSC Francesca and the Epaminondas, were deemed “non-compliant” and had previously been targeted in the waterway (see our 10:20 post for more details on that incident). The report mentioned that the ships were “escorted to the Iranian coast.” However, it remains unclear how the vessels were actually “seized.” Tasnim further alleged that the ships had posed a threat to maritime security by operating without the required permits and by interfering with navigation systems. This news follows recent actions by the US, which included seizing one Iranian vessel and boarding another in the past few days.