Iranian state media on Thursday released footage showing the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy's seizure of a container vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, a move seen as a response to U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated claims that "Iran no longer has a navy."
The release followed an earlier announcement by the IRGC on Wednesday, in which it said it had detained two vessels attempting to pass through the strait without authorization.
The IRGC Navy identified the ships as MSC Francesca and Epaminondes, stating they had jeopardized maritime security by lacking "necessary permits" and "tampering with navigation systems." The vessels were seized and directed toward the Iranian coast. The IRGC also claimed that MSC Francesca was linked to Israel.
In a separate report, Hamidreza Haji-Babaei, a deputy speaker of parliament, said that the first revenue received from Strait of Hormuz tolls was deposited into Iran’s central bank account.
Iran tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz after Israel and the United States launched their joint strikes on Iran on Feb 28. The United States also imposed a naval blockade targeting ships going to and from Iran, after peace negotiations in Islamabad collapsed.
The U.S. Central Command said Thursday its forces in the Middle East had "directed 31 vessels to turn around or return to port as part of the U.S. blockade against Iran."
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday there is "no time frame" for ending the weeks-long U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, though a two-week ceasefire expiring on Wednesday night has been extended.
IRGC seizes two vessels in Strait of Hormuz, releases operation footage
