Breaking: Iran Reportedly Attacks Several Ships in Strait of Hormuz After Trump Extends Ceasefire
- Multiple vessels have reportedly been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz amid rising maritime tensions involving Iran
- Shipping monitors and Iranian-linked outlets have issued conflicting accounts over responsibility for the incidents affecting cargo ships
- The developments have come shortly after a ceasefire extension announced by Donald Trump, as regional tensions have persisted
Iran has reportedly been involved in multiple incidents targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
Source: Getty Images
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said a first cargo ship was “attacked by an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) gunboat” while passing through the waterway. According to UKMTO, the situation quickly escalated as more vessels were affected in the same area.
Iranian-linked media gave a different account. Nour News, which is affiliated with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said the IRGC opened fire after the ship had “ignored the warnings of the Iranian armed forces.”
Another IRGC-linked outlet, Fars News Agency, also said the Revolutionary Guard was responsible for the incidents.
BBC Verify reported that a second vessel was forced to stop after coming under fire, while a third ship was also targeted while attempting to pass through the strait on Wednesday, April 22.
Iranian sources later claimed that two of the vessels were seized and taken into Iranian waters. The IRGC, in a statement carried by Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB, said the ships were taken because:
“The ships were allegedly operating without proper authorization, repeatedly violating regulations, and manipulating navigation systems, thereby endangering maritime safety while attempting to exit the Strait of Hormuz covertly.”
Source: UGC
It added that the action was taken “in line with what was described as protecting Iran’s national rights.”
Iranian media also reported that a third vessel, described as a Greek-owned ship, was hit and left “disabled off Iran’s coast.”
The tensions come shortly after US President Donald Trump announced an extension of a ceasefire arrangement with Iran while wider talks continue.
Trump also said US pressure on Iran, including restrictions affecting its ports and trade routes, would remain in place, claiming the country was facing serious financial strain.
US captures Iranian ship amid tensions
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that the United States Navy has intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel, the Touska, after it allegedly attempted to breach restrictions following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
President Donald Trump confirmed the seizure, stating the ship ignored warnings and was taken into custody during naval operations.
Iran, however, condemned the action, describing it as “armed piracy” and a violation of ceasefire terms.
Iran reopens Strait of Hormuz route
Legit.ng previously reported that Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz fully open for commercial vessels during a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
The announcement was confirmed by Iran’s foreign minister, who said the waterway would remain open for the duration of the truce.
Oil prices in the United States reportedly dropped sharply following the news. However, uncertainty remains as military tensions and diplomatic negotiations continue across the Middle East.
Source: Legit.ng
