Iran Seizes Two Ships In Hormuz, Fires On Vessels In First Such Action Since War Began

Last Updated:April 23, 2026, 09:48 IST

Iran seizes two ships after firing on three in the Strait of Hormuz, traffic plunges, oil tops 100 dollars as tensions with US and Israel escalate

Iran has seized two container ships attempting to exit the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz after opening fire on them and another vessel, marking its first such action since the conflict with the United States and Israel began in February, Reuters reported. Follow Live Updates Here 

According to Reuters, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency said the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy carried out the operation, warning that any disruption to “order and safety" in the strait would be treated as a red line.

Ships Fired Upon, Two Seized

One of the seized vessels, the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca, was confirmed by Montenegro’s maritime affairs minister, who said four Montenegrin crew members on board were safe. Negotiations between the shipping company and Iranian authorities are ongoing, Reuters reported.

The Liberia-flagged Epaminondas, operated by a Greek firm, was also targeted. The vessel reported being fired upon northwest of Oman. It sustained damage to its bridge from gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades before being boarded by Iranian forces, according to maritime security sources cited by Reuters.

Also Read: Trump Says ‘No Time Pressure’ On Iran Talks, Calls Hormuz Blockade More Effective Than Bombing

A third vessel, Euphoria, was also fired upon but was not damaged and later continued its journey to the UAE, the report said.

Strategic Strait Disrupted

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route handling about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply, has seen traffic drop sharply, with only a few vessels now passing daily compared to around 130 under normal conditions, Reuters reported.

Iran has imposed restrictions on transit through the strait following US and Israeli strikes earlier this year, while Washington has responded with a blockade targeting Iranian shipping. With peace talks currently stalled, the situation remains uncertain.

Global Impact, Oil Prices Rise

The disruption has triggered significant volatility in global energy markets, with oil prices rising amid concerns over supply shortages. Benchmark Brent crude crossed $100 a barrel for the first time in over two weeks.

Analysts said the developments underscore the risks to global trade routes, with even an “open" Strait of Hormuz no longer considered safe for shipping, according to industry experts cited in the report.

The situation marks a sharp escalation in maritime tensions in the region, with no clear timeline for de-escalation as both sides continue to enforce competing blockades.

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