Iran Seizes Two Ships in Hormuz Strait, Raising Concerns Over Potential Break in Ceasefire

April 22, Kathmandu – Tensions have escalated recently after Iran attacked and seized control of two cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Following an extension of the ceasefire by US President Donald Trump, international media outlets have reported that this incident increases the likelihood of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran breaking down.

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center (UKMTO), the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) opened fire on the first vessel. Iranian media reported that the IRGC targeted three ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC publicly announced that it captured two cargo ships, MSC Francesca and Emaminodas, and diverted them towards Iranian coastal waters.

The IRGC Navy accused the ships of “sailing without required authorization” and “tampering with navigation systems.” BBC Hindi noted that this incident could pose a significant obstacle to a possible peace agreement between the US and Iran. However, no reports of human casualties or major accidents have emerged so far.