Reactions and statements from the international community
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fast boat fleet remains largely intact, with most vessels reportedly still hidden underground. This fleet is considered a crucial component of the IRGC navy.
The British government announced that on Wednesday and Thursday, military representatives from more than 30 countries will convene in London to consult and plan an international mission aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and supporting shipping.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) seized the vessels MSC Francesca and Epaminodes in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing them of violating the blockade. The vessels are currently being held at an Iranian port.
Maritime intelligence firm Vanguard reported that a third commercial vessel was targeted in an attack while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, less than a day after similar incidents in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.
On Wednesday, April 2, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy seized two vessels, the "MSC Francesca" and "Epaminondas," near the Strait of Hormuz, accusing them of violating maritime security and attempting to exit the strait without permission.
The UK Maritime Trade Organization reported that boats affiliated with the IRGC terrorist group conducted a third attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, continuing the regime's efforts to destabilize a crucial shipping route.
Multiple commercial vessels, including the Greek-owned Euphoria and two MSC container ships (MSC Francesca and Epaminondas), were targeted and seized in the Strait of Hormuz by the IRGC Navy on [current date]. The IRGC Navy claimed the ships were detained for violating navigation regulations and endangering maritime safety, and the vessels have been moved into Iranian territorial waters for inspection.
The Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) announced drone attacks on its headquarters in the Khobat area of Erbil province, Iraqi Kurdistan, on May 2, resulting in three wounded individuals with superficial injuries.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) seized two vessels, "MSC-FRANCESCA" and "EPAMINODES," in the Strait of Hormuz early this morning, transferring them to Iranian territorial waters for inspection of their cargo and documents.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed in a statement that it seized two ships, "MSC FRANCESCA" and "EPAMINODES," near the Strait of Hormuz, citing "maritime violations" including tampering with navigation systems and threats to safety.
At least three container ships came under fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, with a Liberian-flagged vessel suffering damage to its conning bridge from bullets and rocket-propelled grenades near the northeast coast of Oman, while a Panamanian-flagged ship was shot at about eight nautical miles west of Iran but remained undamaged. Maritime security sources reported that an armed boat from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was involved in the attack.
Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, warned countries bordering the Persian Gulf that disrupting communication infrastructures in the Strait of Hormuz could cause a catastrophe for the region's digital economies, noting that at least 7 major communication cables pass through this strategic waterway.
