Iranian forces seized two cargo vessels and attacked a third in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement extending a pause on Iranian oil sanctions.
According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps first opened fire on one ship, later identified as the cargo vessel Euforia, which Iran’s Fars News Agency confirmed was targeted and is now near Iranian territorial waters. Two other vessels — MSC Francescas and Epoximondoss — were boarded and diverted to Iran’s coast, with IRGC naval forces stating the ships were sailing without permits and tampering with navigation systems.
The Pentagon estimates it could take up to six months to clear sea mines laid by Iran in the strait, a critical chokepoint through which approximately 20% of global oil shipments and 20% of liquefied natural gas transit historically, according to maritime risk firm Marisks.
Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to enforce a strict ban on Iranian vessels entering the strait, a situation exploited by fraudsters posing as Iranian officials who deceive ship owners into paying fees in cryptocurrency under the false promise of safe passage — a scheme Marisks has publicly warned against, stating Iranian authorities do not offer such services.
Hundreds of vessels remain stranded in the region due to the heightened tensions, disrupting one of the world’s most vital maritime trade routes.
Marisks issued advisories to ship owners urging vigilance against impersonation scams, emphasizing that no legitimate Iranian authority accepts cryptocurrency payments for safe transit through the strait.
The incidents follow a broader pattern of escalation in the Gulf, where Iran has increasingly used naval assertiveness and mining tactics to pressure adversaries amid stalled diplomacy over its nuclear program and regional influence.
Shipping analysts warn that prolonged disruption could lead to significant delays in energy deliveries to Asia and Europe, increasing freight costs and prompting buyers to seek alternative suppliers or routes.
Why did Iran seize the vessels?
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated the seized vessels were traveling without proper authorization and had altered their navigation systems, violations Tehran claims justify interdiction under its maritime security protocols.
How long could the strait remain disrupted?
U.S. defense officials estimate neutralizing Iranian sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz could take up to six months, though ongoing diplomatic or military developments could shorten or extend that timeline.
