Iran Seizes Two Ships in Strait of Hormuz, Tensions in Gulf Escalate

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Iran seized two container ships attempting to leave the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday (22/4/2026). This incident is the first since Iran’s conflict with the United States and Israel intensified in February.

Tasnim news agency reported that the seizure was carried out by the Navy of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The authority also emphasised that any disruption to security in the Strait of Hormuz would be considered a ‘red line’.

The IRGC accused the two seized ships, namely the Panamanian-flagged MSC Francesca and the Liberian-flagged Epaminondas, of operating without permission and damaging their navigation systems.

The Epaminondas was reportedly fired upon about 15 nautical miles northwest of Oman. According to maritime security sources and the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the ship sustained damage to its bridge after being hit by gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades from an IRGC warship.

The vessel is operated by a Greek company and crewed by 21 people, consisting of Ukrainians and Filipinos. There were no reports of casualties in the incident.