Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps published dramatic footage showing naval commandos intercepting and boarding several cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz, including the India-bound Epaminondas and the MSC Francesca. The video shows Iranian speedboats closing with the vessels and armed personnel boarding them; state-linked Nour News said forces opened fire on Epaminondas after it allegedly ignored warnings. The merchant ship Euphoria was reportedly also fired upon before stopping.
Iranian accounts say Epaminondas suffered damage to its bridge after soldiers fired on it and hurled grenades from a speedboat, though the crew reported no injuries. The IRGC accused the ships of lacking required authorization and of manipulating navigation systems in ways that endangered maritime safety. It specifically linked MSC Francesca to Israel and said Epaminondas had tampered with its navigation equipment. The IRGC warned that actions disrupting order in the strategic waterway would cross a red line and reiterated that vessels must follow Iranian regulations for safe passage.
The incident came amid 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, arguing it could improve Iran’s economic and strategic position. Iran’s leadership voiced scepticism. President Masoud Pezeshkian criticised Washington’s approach as hypocritical and said perceived bad faith and pressure undermine trust. Reports indicate a possible new round of talks may be proposed, but Iran has not confirmed participation, leaving prospects for diplomacy uncertain.
