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Ships reportedly attacked in Strait of Hormuz as blockade turns 28 vessels around
Daniel Turner, the founder and executive director of Power The Future, is shedding light on the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, with a particular focus on the recent US blockade against Iranian vessels navigating the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Turner delves into Iran’s economic resilience strategy, suggesting that Tehran is playing a long game to withstand US pressures. He emphasizes how these geopolitical maneuvers are affecting global oil and gas markets, arguing that stability hinges on market confidence. Turner also critiques current climate policies, contending they have inadvertently increased living costs and weakened the United States both economically and militarily.
In a dramatic escalation, Iran allegedly fired upon three ships within the Strait of Hormuz this past Wednesday. This incident underscores the volatility in this critical maritime corridor, which is a vital artery for global oil shipments.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a branch of the British military, reported that an IRGC gunboat directed fire at a container ship near Oman, inflicting substantial damage to the ship’s bridge. Despite the severity of the attack, there were no fires or environmental consequences, and the crew emerged unharmed.
In a separate alert, the UKMTO revealed that an outbound cargo ship west of Iran came under fire and subsequently came to a halt in the water. Fortunately, the ship’s crew was reported safe and accounted for, highlighting the tense atmosphere in the region and the potential for further disruptions.
Another UKMTO warning said “an outbound cargo ship” west of Iran reported “having been fired upon and is now stopped in the water.” The notice said the crew was safe and accounted for.
“There is no reported damage to the vessel,” it added.
Maps4Media processed and enhanced Sentinal-2 satellite imagery shows a broad view of the Strait of Hormuz between southern Iran and Oman’s Musandam Peninsula, including surrounding islands, coastal terrain, and turquoise shallow-water zones at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. (Photo enhanced and published by maps4media via Getty Images)
Iranian media said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was bringing two ships to Iran after seizing them in the Strait of Hormuz, according to The Associated Press.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) command claimed in an X post that the two vessels, the MSC-Francesca and Epaminodes, “had endangered maritime security by operating without the necessary permits and tampering with navigation systems.”
It said the vessels “were seized by the IRGC Navy and escorted to Iran’s coast,” according to a translation.
“Disruption of order and safety in the Strait of Hormuz is our red line,” the command wrote.
It also claimed the MSC-Francesca is “linked to the Zionist regime.”
Motorists ride past the Imam Sadiq mosque with a giant Iranian flag installed on its front at the Palestine Square in Tehran on April 19, 2026. (Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images)
Iranian media also reported that the IRGC attacked a third ship, identified as the Euphoria, according to the AP.
The development comes after President Donald Trump announced Tuesday afternoon that the United States was extending a ceasefire.
“Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured, not unexpectedly so and, upon the request of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, we have been asked to hold our Attack on the Country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal,” the president wrote on Truth Social..
President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media outside the Oval Office of the White House on April 13, 2026. (Salwan Georges/Bloomberg)
“I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other,” he added.