Iran disclosed images on Wednesday (22nd) that, according to the Tehran government, show the seizure of two commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's main maritime routes for the transport of oil, gas and containerized cargo.
The video, attributed to Iran's Revolutionary Guards and broadcast by Iranian state television, shows armed military personnel boarding the container ships MSC Francesca and Epaminondas.
In the footage, speedboats with Iranian flags approach the vessels, while soldiers board them carrying rifles and conduct internal sweeps of the ships.
According to Iranian authorities, the vessels were seized for alleged links to Israel, operation without required authorizations and, furthermore, for alleged tampering with navigation systems. The accusations, however, remain under international investigation.
Maritime tracking data confirmed that both ships were approximately 15 kilometers off the Iranian coast at the time of boarding. Maritime intelligence information also indicates that a third vessel, under Liberian flag, was targeted by gunfire in the same region, further heightening instability in the maritime corridor.
The seizure of MSC Francesca, which was sailing under Panama flag, was confirmed by Montenegro's Minister of Maritime Affairs, Filip Radulović, who reported the presence of four Montenegrin sailors on board.
According to the minister, the entire crew remains safe and diplomatic negotiations are underway.
On Thursday (23rd), Iran's chief judge, Mohseni Ejei, described the operation as a "show of force" by the country's Armed Forces, stating that the action represents a matter of national pride.
The episode amplifies concerns in the international maritime sector, especially as it occurs in the Strait of Hormuz, a passage historically responsible for approximately 20% of global oil and derivatives flow.
Tension in the area is already having repercussions on the international energy market and global logistics chains, with rising freight costs and pressure on oil prices.
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