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Iran Seizes Two Merchant Ships in Hormuz, UN Condemns

4/24/2026

Center

Iran Seizes Ships

Iran's seizure marks the first capture of merchant vessels since the Middle East war began on Feb. 28.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps seized the MSC Francesca and Epaminondas in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving crews unharmed.
The United Nations International Maritime Organization condemned the attacks as unacceptable and demanded immediate release.
Panama’s foreign ministry called the seizure illegal and said Iran was escalating maritime security risks.

Left

Iran Blocks Hormuz

Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz has stranded roughly 3,000 vessels, leaving sailors on their third month at sea.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard seized two merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz, captures since war began on Feb. 28.
Closure chokes the Strait, where 20 % of oil trade passes, raising U.S. and world prices.
Iranian officials showed internal disagreement as the foreign minister announced, then retracted, a temporary opening.

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Iran Seizes Ships

Iran's seizure marks the first capture of merchant vessels since the Middle East war began on Feb. 28.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps seized the MSC Francesca and Epaminondas in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving crews unharmed.
The United Nations International Maritime Organization condemned the attacks as unacceptable and demanded immediate release.
Panama’s foreign ministry called the seizure illegal and said Iran was escalating maritime security risks.

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