The Strait of Hormuz, the world's most critical energy corridor, is nearing the brink of direct armed confrontation. Armed speedboats of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked three transiting commercial vessels using firearms and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) within a single day, seizing two of them.
According to reports on Wednesday, Iranian sources stated that three vessels were intercepted by the IRGC in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters. Two ships belonging to Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) were intercepted while attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz and were unable to pass. Another vessel of Greek ownership was also intercepted and is currently held in waters off the Iranian coast.
On April 22, a Liberian-flagged container ship was attacked by IRGC speedboats using firearms and RPGs northeast of Oman, resulting in damage to the ship's bridge. All crew members were reported safe. The ship's captain stated that no radio warnings were issued prior to the incident and that the vessel had previously received authorization to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Subsequently, two other container ships—one flagged in Panama and one in Liberia—were fired upon approximately 8 nautical miles west of the Iranian coast. Neither vessel sustained damage, and all crew members were safe.
The IRGC stated it seized two vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without authorization. An Iranian news agency reported that the IRGC confirmed the seizure of the two vessels.
These actions occurred following an announcement of an indefinite extension to a ceasefire, coupled with a clear statement that a US maritime blockade would continue. This indicates Tehran is applying practical pressure on Washington, signaling a new and dangerous phase in maritime confrontations between the US and Iran.
Within a single day, three vessels were attacked and two were seized.
According to a warning issued by the UK Maritime Trade Operations center, three separate armed incidents occurred in the Strait of Hormuz on April 22.
In the first incident, a Liberian-flagged container ship was approached by IRGC speedboats northeast of Oman and subsequently fired upon with firearms and RPGs, damaging the bridge. Maritime security sources indicated the speedboat carried three individuals. The captain confirmed no radio contact or warnings were received prior to the attack and that the vessel had been cleared for transit.
The second and third incidents occurred approximately 8 nautical miles west of the Iranian coast, where two container ships were fired upon while outbound from the Strait of Hormuz. A Panamanian-flagged vessel was undamaged, while a Liberian-flagged vessel also sustained no damage but stopped in the water. All crew members across the three incidents were safe.
Later that day, a semi-official Iranian news agency reported that the IRGC had seized the MSC Francesca and the Greek-flagged vessel Euphoria, escorting them to the Iranian coast. The IRGC stated both vessels had been "stopped." Iranian state television identified the second seized vessel as the Epaminondas. Management companies for both ships are registered in the international shipping database Equasis.
On the same day as the strait attacks, Iran was testing the practical limits of the US blockade in another manner.
Shipping analytics firm Vortexa, using satellite imagery, tracked two Iranian-flagged very large crude carriers (VLCCs)—the Hero II and the Hedy—entering the Arabian Sea on April 20. This area is a core zone of the US attempt to block Iranian shipping. The two tankers combined can carry approximately 4 million barrels of crude oil.
A co-founder of TankerTrackers.com stated that another Iranian VLCC, the Diona, appeared to have turned back after entering the Arabian Sea from the Strait of Hormuz.
Vortexa noted that, as ships attempting to evade the US Navy often disable their transponders, the firm relies on satellite imagery for tracking. The Hero II's last publicly recorded position was over a month ago, heading north in the Strait of Malacca. The Hedy last broadcast its position near Khor Fakkan, UAE, in late February. The final destinations for the cargoes are unclear, but the majority of Iranian crude exports are destined for China.
Vortexa data indicates that since the US blockade began, at least 34 Iran-related tankers and gas carriers have transited the strait and blockade line, with 19 moving out of the Persian Gulf, 17 of them laden with cargo. This suggests Iran's exports have not been completely halted despite the US blockade threat.
The root of the current tensions dates back to late February. Following military strikes by the US and Israel, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz. Prior to the conflict, this waterway carried approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies daily.
Washington's initial response was to encourage the continued flow of Iranian crude to buyers to curb price spikes. On April 13, the US shifted strategy, imposing a comprehensive blockade on all Iranian shipping. Since then, the US Navy has seized one Iran-linked cargo ship and boarded a sanctioned tanker east of Sri Lanka, expanding the scope of enforcement while intercepting at least 28 vessels. The US previously stated it would consider boarding and seizing any sanctioned vessel anywhere—meaning the two VLCCs that entered the Arabian Sea still face interception risk.
An indefinite extension of the ceasefire was announced, but it was clearly stated the maritime blockade would continue and was described as a "great success." Iran, however, has characterized the blockade as an "act of war." Approximately 800 vessels remain stranded in the Persian Gulf. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) stated this week that it is developing evacuation plans, but such plans depend on a de-escalation of the situation.
On the diplomatic front, the situation remains unclear.
Iran's ambassador to the United Nations stated, "We have received some signals indicating a readiness to break the blockade. Once the blockade is lifted, I believe the next round of talks will be held in Islamabad." He emphasized, "If they wish to sit down and seek a political solution, they will find Iran ready. If they want war, Iran is also ready."
However, the timeline for the next round of US-Iran talks remains uncertain. The US President reiterated that the ceasefire would not be extended again, threatening to resume military operations if no agreement is reached. Iran has yet to decide on participation in talks, with its lawmakers reiterating the demand for the maritime blockade to be lifted.
Reports citing sources indicate that Iran informed the US through intermediaries that it would not participate in talks scheduled for the 22nd. The US Vice President had not yet departed for Islamabad, Pakistan, for the Iran negotiations, as he was participating in other policy meetings at the White House.
Top traders assess that the conflict has reduced global oil supply by approximately 1 billion barrels. The ongoing instability in the Strait of Hormuz further complicates resolution prospects. The IRGC's statement from that day clearly drew a red line, and the tense atmosphere over the strait is unlikely to dissipate soon.
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