MSC Francesca: Epaminodas and Francesca ships seized in Iran Strait of Hormuz attack
Iran also attacked other ships on Wednesday.
Iran has seized two ships in the Strait of Hormuz following gunfire attacks on ships earlier on Wednesday. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy seized two MSC container vessels - Francesca and Epaminondas. It said the ships were transferred to Iran's coast after "disrupting order and safety in the Strait of Hormuz is considered a red line for Iran".
This comes after an Iranian security official warned that the US seizure of the country's ships would be a "big gamble" that would make American ships legitimate targets for retaliation. He told Al Jazeera: "Starting today, all US-owned ships will be legitimate targets of Iran's asymmetric operations."
THIS LIVE BLOG IS CLOSED. READ OUR COVERAGE BELOW...
KEY EVENTS
UK calls for 'full reopening' of Hormuz
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said Britain wanted to see a “comprehensive settlement” and a “full reopening” of the Strait of Hormuz without restrictions or tolls after Donald Trump announced he would prolong the truce.
She said in a statement on Wednesday: “The UK welcomes the ceasefire extension.
“We want to see negotiations restart, a comprehensive settlement and full reopening of the strait without restrictions or tolls.
“Any return to hostilities would be a major setback for the region, the global economy and cost-of-living.”
US ships 'legitimate targets' of Iran
Iran earlier threatened to launch devastating strikes on US ships as peace talks are on the verge of collapse.
An Iranian security official warned that the US seizure of the country's ships would be a "big gamble" that would make American ships legitimate targets for retaliation.
He told Al Jazeera: "Starting today, all US-owned ships will be legitimate targets of Iran's asymmetric operations."
The official added that Washington appears to have engaged in the conflict and subsequent naval blockade without considering the high level of risk associated.
He said Iran has much skill and experience when engaging in conflicts where there's a significant difference in the military capabilities possessed by each side.
Epaminondas 'given warning before fire'
Nour News, affiliated with Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said the Epaminondas "ignored warnings" from the country's armed forces before an IRGC "gun boat" opened fire on it.
Which ships were targeted?
The first attack involved the Greek-flagged Epaminodas, 15 nautical miles northeast of Oman. An IRGC "gun boat" opened fire on the ship, causing heavy damage to the vessel's bridge, the UK UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) reported.
The second targeted the Panama-flagged Euphoria, which was attacked eight nautical miles west of Iran, the UKMTO said. The crew are safe and accounted for, and no damage has been reported to the ship, which is owned by a UAE-based company.
Finally, the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca was hit roughly six nautical miles off Iran while heading into the Gulf of Oman, Vanguard told the BBC. It sustained "damage to the hull and accommodation".
Third ship attack in Strait of Hormuz
A third ship has been attacked this morning by the IRGC, Fars news agency reports. The Greek-owned Euphoria is now stranded on Iran’s shores, according to a Telegram post.
Two ships seized for 'disrupting order'
Iran has seized two vessels and transferred them to its coast for "disrupting order and safety in the Strait of Hormuz is considered a red line for Iran".
The IRGC Navy Command said the Francesca and the Epaminodas "had endangered maritime security by operating without the required authorisation and by tampering with navigation systems".
Welcome to our coverage
Good morning and welcome to our coverage of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran seized two vessels. Stay tuned for all the latest updates.
