WANA (Apr 22) – The naval forces of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have announced the seizure of two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, citing repeated maritime violations and attempts to leave the strategic waterway undetected.

 

According to an official statement released on Wednesday, the operation was carried out as part of what the IRGC described as its “smart monitoring” of the Strait. The two vessels—identified as MSC Francesca, reportedly linked to Israel, and Epaminodes—were intercepted after being detected operating without proper authorization.

 

The IRGC Navy stated that both ships had allegedly committed multiple infractions, including tampering with navigation systems, thereby posing a risk to maritime safety. The statement further claimed that the vessels were attempting a covert exit from the Strait of Hormuz when they were identified and stopped.

 

Both ships have since been transferred to Iranian territorial waters, where authorities are conducting inspections of their cargo, documentation, and legal status.

 

The IRGC emphasized that any attempt to disrupt maritime regulations or compromise safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be closely monitored and met with “firm and lawful action.”

 

As one of the world’s most critical energy transit chokepoints, the Strait of Hormuz remains under tight Iranian surveillance, and such incidents often carry broader geopolitical implications.