Dramatic footage released by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps shows armed naval commandos intercepting and seizing multiple vessels, including the India-bound Epaminondas and MSC Francesca, in the Strait of Hormuz.
The video shows Iranian speedboats approaching the ships and armed personnel boarding them. Iranian media outlet Nour News reported forces opened fire on Epaminondas after it allegedly ignored warnings. Another vessel, Euphoria, was also fired upon before stopping, and MSC Francesca was similarly targeted.
Epaminondas sustained damage to its bridge after Iranian soldiers fired on it and hurled grenades from a speedboat, though the crew reported no injuries.
The IRGC said the cargo ships did not have the “required authorisation” and had “manipulated navigation systems,” which it said endangered maritime safety. It accused MSC Francesca of links to Israel and said Epaminondas had tampered with navigation systems. The IRGC warned that actions disrupting the strait’s order would be treated as a red line and stressed all vessels must comply with Iranian regulations for safe passage.
Tensions rose despite a separate diplomatic development: former US President Donald Trump announced an indefinite extension of a temporary ceasefire with Iran and urged Tehran to pursue a diplomatic agreement, saying it could help the country achieve economic and strategic stability. “Iran can put itself in a very good position if it makes a deal,” he said, calling for “reason and common sense” in negotiations.
Iran’s leadership, however, has expressed scepticism. President Masoud Pezeshkian criticised Washington’s approach, accusing it of hypocrisy and undermining trust, and said on X that “bad faith, siege, and threats are the main obstacles.” Reports suggest a possible new round of talks may be proposed soon, but Iran has not confirmed participation, leaving the diplomatic outlook uncertain.
