Iran has seized two container ships, MSC-Francesca and Epaminondas, in the Strait of Hormuz, marking its first such action since the US-Israel war on Tehran began in February.
A purported video aired by Iranian state television shows armed personnel boarding the vessels as they attempted to pass through the narrow waterway.
The IRGC alleged that the ships were sailing without necessary authorisations and tampering with Iran's navigation systems.
The Greek-operated Epaminondas reportedly came under fire and sustained damage to its bridge after being struck by gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades from an IRGC gunboat.
The Panama-flagged MSC Francesca was also hit by gunfire but remained undamaged and its crew safe.
The seizures are the first reported since 2024, when Iran captured the container ship MSC Aries in the same waterway.
The incidents occurred as multiple vessels attempted to exit the strait, with some switching off navigation systems during transit, significantly disrupting traffic through the strait.
