Three commercial vessels were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday morning, according to U.S. officials and international maritime monitors, marking one of the most serious confrontations since the start of the U.S.–Iran cease-fire. The incidents occurred shortly after President Donald Trump announced an extension of the truce but confirmed that the American naval blockade around Iran would remain in effect.
Maritime authorities reported that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intercepted multiple ships transiting the narrow waterway. Two vessels — identified by shipping trackers as the MSC Francesca and the Epaminondas — were seized and escorted toward the Iranian coast. A third ship reported being hit by gunfire but was not taken into custody.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said one container ship suffered significant damage to its bridge after an IRGC fast‑attack craft opened fire without warning. Another vessel issued a distress call after being forced to stop under threat of additional gunfire.
Iranian state media claimed the ships had “entered the area without proper authorization” and accused them of tampering with navigation systems — a charge shipping operators denied. IRGC commanders warned that any attempt to challenge Iranian control of the strait would be met with “crushing” retaliation, even during the cease-fire.
U.S. officials said the blockade remains in place to prevent weapons transfers and to pressure Iran during ongoing diplomatic efforts. The White House described the attacks as a “dangerous escalation” and said the United States would continue monitoring the situation with allied navies.
The maritime confrontation adds new uncertainty to planned peace talks in Pakistan, which Iranian officials now say may not proceed unless the blockade is lifted. The cease-fire has paused aerial strikes, but the fight for control of the strategic waterway — a chokepoint for global oil shipments — continues to intensify at sea.