Iran Seizes Two Container Ships in Hormuz Hours After US Extends Ceasefire

In a dramatic escalation hours after Trump extended the ceasefire, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy seized two container ships — the MSC Francesca and the Epaminondas — in the Strait of Hormuz on April 22, 2026. The IRGC said the vessels were 'attempting to secretly exit the Strait of Hormuz' and were transferred to Iranian shores for cargo and document inspection. Reports indicated that a third unidentified ship had also been fired upon by an IRGC gunboat without radio warning, sustaining 'heavy damage to the bridge.' Iran framed the seizures as enforcement of its declared right to inspect and charge vessels using the Strait of Hormuz — a core Iranian demand in the stalled peace negotiations that the US has refused to recognize. The US Navy condemned the seizures as violations of international maritime law. The incidents represented the most serious maritime confrontations since the April 20 seizure of the Iranian container ship Touska by the USS Spruance. The seizures occurred on Day 54 of the US-Iran war, demonstrating Iran's continued willingness to escalate even during ceasefire periods. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran 'knows how to neutralize restrictions' and would not negotiate 'under the shadow of threats.' Oil markets faced renewed upward pressure from the Hormuz instability.