new delhi, April 22
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy on Wednesday claimed to have seized two cargo vessels, the MSC Francesca and Epaminondas, for attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz “without the necessary permits.”
In a statement shared by semi-official Tasnim News, the IRGC Navy alleged that the ships were tampering with maritime navigation systems when intercepted, adding that they were directed towards the Iranian coast.
“Two vessels violating regulations — MSC FRANCESCA (linked to the Zionist regime) and EPAMINONDAS — which endangered maritime security by operating without authorization and tampering with maritime navigation systems, were intercepted by the IRGC Navy and directed toward the Iranian coast,” the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said in the statement.
The IRGC Naval Command further added: “Disrupting the order and security of the Strait of Hormuz is our red line.”
According to reports, EPAMINONDES is a Liberia flagged ship that was headed to Gujarat from Jebel Ali in Dubai.
This follows earlier reports about two container ships being attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. The ships were targeted as part of an enforcement operation by Iranian authorities, according to Tasnim News.
The development comes amid the growing uncertainty over the second round of peace talks between the US and Iran. Despite the extension of the ceasefire, Iran has been firm on its stand, saying talks with the US will be held only when rational conditions exist.
Amid US President Donald Trump’s threats that he will order the bombing of Iran if the deal is not signed, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei today said that Tehran stands ready to defend itself militarily. He, however, added that the Islamic Republic was open to the prospect of further talks provided rational conditions exist. According to the official IRNA news agency, Baghaei said that Iran will negotiate “whenever we conclude that the necessary and rational conditions exist to use this tool to achieve national interests.”
Ceasefire extended
Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Trump has agreed to extend the ceasefire, which was about to expire today.
“On my personal behalf and on behalf of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, I sincerely thank President Trump for graciously accepting our request to extend the ceasefire to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to take their course,” Sharif said on X.
He further added, “With the trust and confidence reposed in us, Pakistan shall continue its earnest efforts for a negotiated settlement of the conflict. I sincerely hope that both sides will continue to observe the ceasefire and be able to conclude a comprehensive ‘Peace Deal’ during the second round of talks scheduled in Islamabad for a permanent end to the conflict.”
