The IRGC announced it had intercepted and ordered two commercial vessels to divert into Iranian territorial waters, accusing them of "illegal operations" in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy announced on April 22nd that it had seized two cargo ships, the MSC Francesca and Epaminodes, in the Strait of Hormuz, with the MSC Francesca allegedly belonging to Israel. The two ships were subsequently escorted into Iranian territorial waters for inspection of their cargo and documents.

The IRGC stated that the Francesca and Epaminodes "operated without the necessary permits" in Hormuz and repeatedly violated Iranian regulations concerning the strait. The two ships were also accused of tampering with their navigation systems and threatening maritime security in an attempt to secretly pass through the strait.

The Francesca ship in the photo was published by Iranian media. Photo: Tasnim

"Disrupting order and safety in the Strait of Hormuz is a red line for Iran. With our overwhelming intelligence advantage, these ships were identified and intercepted, protecting Iran's rights to the waters," the IRGC said.

The force warned it will continue to closely monitor all activities in the area, ready to take decisive measures in accordance with Iranian law against any violations.

The IRGC's announcement came shortly after maritime security organizations recorded several incidents in the region. The UK Maritime Trade Coordination Centre (UKMTO) said at least three container ships were targeted while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on April 22.

A ship reported being approached and fired upon by IRGC speedboats approximately 15 nautical miles northeast of the Omani coast, resulting in significant damage to the bridge, but all crew members were safe.

Location of the Strait of Hormuz. Graphic: Guardian

Another incident occurred about 8 nautical miles west of the Iranian coast, when a cargo ship was fired upon and forced to stop at sea, with no damage or casualties reported.

The UKMTO later reported that a second container ship was fired upon by an Iranian armed boat while operating about 8 nautical miles west of the coast. The Panamanian-flagged vessel was undamaged and its crew was safe.

According to maritime security sources, a third Liberian-flagged container ship was hit in the same area while moving out of the Strait of Hormuz. The ship was undamaged, stopped at sea, and its crew was safe.

The IRGC issued a statement saying it is prepared to respond to any further aggression in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic shipping lane, transiting approximately 20% of the world's oil and gas supply. Iran has virtually blockaded the strait, forcing commercial ships to seek permission or pay a fee to pass through. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy enforces a blockade outside the Gulf of Oman, warning it will seize any ship arriving at or departing from Iranian ports, as well as any ships that have paid fees to Tehran.

This situation leaves commercial ships facing a "double blockade" when operating in the Strait of Hormuz. Tensions along this vital shipping lane remain high despite the U.S. extending a ceasefire on April 21st to facilitate negotiation efforts.