Iranian Revolutionary Guard seizes two container ships in the Strait of Hormuz

The naval forces of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced the implementation of a large-scale maritime security operation in the Strait of Hormuz, which resulted in the interception of a massive container ship named 'Epaminondas'. Official sources clarified that the ship was escorted to Iranian territorial waters as part of ongoing monitoring procedures targeting vessels violating international and local laws.

In a related context, the statement issued by the Iranian Navy revealed the seizure of a second ship named 'MSC Francesca', which reports indicate has commercial ties with Israeli entities. A set of charges has been leveled against both ships, including operating within the waterway without obtaining the necessary permits and repeatedly violating the regulations in force in the region.

Iranian authorities affirmed that the two ships deliberately tampered with navigation aid systems and tracking devices, which Tehran considered a direct threat to the safety of maritime navigation in one of the world's most important waterways. Sources indicated that these actions were aimed at misleading maritime surveillance units and bypassing routine checkpoints.

According to the official account, the Revolutionary Guard's monitoring units managed to detect the two ships' attempt to secretly exit the Strait of Hormuz under the cover of darkness. Accordingly, orders were issued for immediate intervention and interception, as part of what Tehran described as defending sovereign rights and protecting national security in territorial waters.

Both ships are currently undergoing thorough inspection operations, including examining cargo, legal documents, and navigation records, to ascertain the nature of the activities they were engaged in before the seizure. The Iranian Navy stressed that these measures are taken to ensure full compliance with international and local standards governing maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

The naval forces concluded their statement by issuing a stern warning to all ships and shipping companies, emphasizing that any attempt to obstruct declared regulations or engage in activities that harm safe navigation will be met with a firm and legal response. They clarified that monitoring and evaluation operations are ongoing around the clock to ensure the stability of the strategic passage and prevent any future transgressions.

The two ships were attempting to exit the Strait of Hormuz secretly when they were discovered and intercepted in line with protecting the rights of the Iranian nation in the strategic waterway.