The seized ships, MSC Francesca and Epaminondas, were accused of operating without permits and tampering with navigation systems, according to Iranian authorities.
BY PC Bureau
April 23, 2026: Iran has released the first video of its navy forces seizing two commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which were accused of violating maritime regulations, with one reportedly linked to Israel.
The footage, broadcast by Iran’s state television IRIB and widely shared on social media by Iranian accounts, shows speedboats from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy approaching and boarding the vessels in a rapid operation. Armed personnel are seen securing the decks as the ships are escorted toward the Iranian coast.
According to the IRGC Naval Command, the two vessels seized on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, were the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca and the Liberian-flagged Epaminondas. The IRGC stated that both ships were operating without the required permits, had tampered with their navigation systems (including turning off Automatic Identification Systems), and were endangering maritime security in the strategic waterway.
🇮🇷HOLY SH*T IRGC RELEASED FOOTAGE OF THEM SEIZING SHIPS IN THE STRAIGHT OF HORMUZ!
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/yCtjF4TxLu
— Gerhardt vd Merwe (@realgerhardtvdm) April 23, 2026
The IRGC specifically described the MSC Francesca as “linked to the Zionist regime,” while accusing the Epaminondas of breaching safety protocols. A third vessel, reportedly the Euphoria or another MSC-linked ship, was also fired upon and disabled but not fully seized.
This marks Iran’s first such seizure of foreign vessels since the escalation of its conflict with the United States and Israel earlier in 2026. The action comes amid heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf, following U.S. naval blockades and seizures of Iranian-flagged ships in recent days. Iran has framed its moves as a legitimate response to protect its sovereignty and maintain order in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transit.
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IRGC spokesman Brigadier General Ali Reza Tangsiri said in a statement: “The Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in line with its sacred duty of intelligent control over the Strait of Hormuz, identified and stopped these two violating ships this morning. Any attempt to disrupt security and order in this vital waterway is a red line.”
International shipping sources confirmed that gunfire was reported near the vessels, with at least one sustaining damage to its bridge area. Crew members, including four Montenegrin seafarers aboard the MSC Francesca, are reported safe for now, though their status remains under monitoring.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the fragility of the recent ceasefire between Iran, the U.S., and Israel, with some analysts warning it could complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts. The White House has so far described the seizures as not involving U.S. or directly Israeli vessels, while urging restraint.
Iranian media presented the video as evidence of the IRGC’s high readiness and professional conduct in defending national interests against “provocations” in the region.
Further details on the vessels’ ownership, cargo, and the exact legal proceedings are expected in the coming hours as the ships are brought to Iranian ports for inspection.
This development underscores the continued volatility in the Strait of Hormuz, where any disruption risks a significant impact on global energy markets.
