US Seizes Two Ships, Iran Seizes Two in Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seized the Panamanian-flagged MSC Francesca and the Greek-owned Epaminondas in the Strait of Hormuz on April 24, 2026, citing operations without necessary permits and tampering with navigation systems. The captures came amid a US naval blockade of Iranian ports, with President Donald Trump's actions adding uncertainty for shipping companies.

Al Jazeera reported these events in an article published on April 25, 2026.

The US defense department announced it had captured the Iran-linked Majestic X while it was transporting sanctioned oil in the Indian Ocean, following the interception of the ship Tifani days earlier. Over the past week, the US and Iranian militaries each announced the capture of two commercial vessels.

Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, which usually carries about one-fifth of global oil and natural gas supplies.

John Stawpert, marine director of the International Chamber of Shipping, said seafarers must be allowed to go about their business freely and without persecution. The International Chamber of Shipping, the top trade association for merchant shipowners and operators worldwide, represents about 80 percent of the world’s merchant fleet.

' Stawpert added that these are innocent seafarers and they should be allowed to go about their jobs without fear of imprisonment.

He said Iran’s stated wish to charge tolls in the Strait of Hormuz had no basis in international law and would set a dangerous precedent. ' The blockage of the strait has driven up fuel prices worldwide, prompting many governments to start emergency energy-saving measures. The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers confirmed 15 Filipino seafarers were on the two vessels seized by Iran.

Iranian authorities assured that all the crew on the two vessels were unharmed and safe. Montenegro’s maritime minister Filip Radulovic said four Montenegrin crew on the MSC Francesca were fine, speaking in an interview with the state broadcaster earlier this week. There have been no official updates on the condition of the crews on the vessels captured by US forces.

' An estimated 20,000 seafarers have been left stranded in the Gulf due to the effective closure of the strait. Stawpert said their welfare is also a priority and the psychological burden will be beginning to tell on them after seven weeks now of what’s to all intents and purposes house arrest.

' Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz remains a fraction of pre-war levels, with just five ships transiting in the last 24 hours.

Before the US and Israel launched their war against Iran on February 28, the strait saw a daily average of 129 transits, according to the United Nations Trade and Development.