Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 22 Apr 2026, 06:03 am Print
Iran claims seizure of two ships in Strait of Hormuz. Photo: Strait of Hormuz - youtube.com/@planetvolumes/Unsplash Strait of Hormuz
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGC Navy) said it has seized two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and redirected them toward Iranian shores, just hours after US President Donald Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire with Tehran.
In a statement, the Guards said the vessels—identified as MSC Francesca and Epaminodes—had violated maritime regulations and posed a navigational risk by allegedly manipulating their tracking systems, according to reports cited by Iran International.
The ships have been detained and escorted to Iran’s coastline, the statement added.
However, there has been no independent verification of the seizure. Earlier, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that two container ships had come under fire in the region.
The developments come amid heightened tensions following Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire extension with Iran.
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said he had agreed to delay further military action after receiving a request from Pakistan to allow more time for ongoing peace efforts.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the decision followed direct appeals from Pakistan’s leadership, including Army Chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
“Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so, and upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our attack on the country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal,” Trump wrote.
He added that US forces have been instructed to remain on standby while maintaining pressure, and that the ceasefire would be extended until a formal proposal is submitted and discussions are concluded.
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