Iran seizes two international ships in Strait of Hormuz amid Middle East war
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) seized two international container ships in the Strait of Hormuz on April 23, 2026, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing Middle East conflict.The vessels, identified as the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca and the Liberia-flagged Epaminondas, were taken for alleged maritime violations.The IRGC released video footage showing the seizure and stated that the ships were attempting to exit the strait covertly.Both vessels were escorted to Iranian shores following the operation, according to statements from the shipping companies and Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency.This is the first instance of Iran seizing ships since the war began... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 23 Apr 2026 05:30 LONDON
Iran closes Strait of Hormuz again amid US blockade and ship attacks
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on April 18, 2026, that it is closing the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels once again, warning that any ship attempting to pass through will be targeted.This decision follows attacks on vessels in or near the strait, including two Indian-flagged ships reportedly fired upon by IRGC gunboats.The IRGC stated that the closure is a response to a continuing US naval blockade of Iranian ports, which it views as a violation of the ongoing ceasefire agreement in the US-Israel conflict involving Iran.The closure came less than 24 hours after Iran had briefly reopened... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 18 Apr 2026 20:00 LONDON
Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Again Amid US Blockade Tensions
Iran has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route, in response to the United States' ongoing blockade of its ports.This closure follows a brief reopening of the waterway after a US-mediated ceasefire in the Middle East.Tehran announced that control of the strait has "returned to its previous state," with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stating that the waterway will remain tightly controlled until the US lifts its blockade.The IRGC described the blockade as "acts of piracy and maritime theft." Reports indicate that Iranian gunboats fired on a tanker attempting to transit the strait.The... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 18 Apr 2026 15:33 LONDON
