Heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz were observed on April 22 as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) seized two vessels. Analysts suggest this move is a “tit-for-tat” response to actions by the U.S. Notably, one of the ships is associated with a prominent shipping family linked to former President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Iranian state television broadcasted footage allegedly showing IRGC troops commandeering the container ships in the strategic waterway, according to a report by Reuters on Thursday.

The MSC Francesca, one of the seized vessels, belongs to the MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company. This company was established by Italian billionaire Gianluigi Aponte and is currently managed by his two children, as reported by Fox News Digital.

A relative of a crew member aboard the MSC Francesca shared with Reuters that approximately 20 heavily armed Iranians boarded the ship. While the crew is under Iranian control and their movements are restricted, they are reportedly being treated well by their captors.

The footage, aired on Iranian state TV, showed soldiers involved in the capture of the MSC Francesca and another ship, the Epaminondas, in the Strait of Hormuz on April 22, 2026. (IRIB/Handout/Reuters)

“The ship is anchored 9 nautical miles from the Iranian coast. Negotiations between MSC and Iran are ongoing, our sailors are fine,” Montenegro’s minister of maritime affairs, Filip Radulovic, told state broadcaster RTCG.

Maritime intelligence firm Windward AI pointed to IRGC “tit-for-tat” tactics given the recent MSC vessel seizure.

This followed a U.S. naval blockade imposed on April 13, with Tehran warning of retaliation after U.S. forces also seized an Iranian vessel.

“The IRGC attacked three ships. It also captured and took in two of them — the MSC Francesca and the Epaminondas — while the Euphoria managed to get away,” Windward AI co-founder Ami Daniel told Fox News Digital.

Soldiers take part in the operation seizing the container ships MSC Francesca and Epaminondas in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state TV April 22, 2026. (IRIB/Handout/Reuters)

“This is a ‘tit-for-tat’ exercise by the IRGC, which, along with the Houthis, has long claimed MSC is connected to Israel. MSC calls in Israel; however, so do all major liners.”

Diego Aponte, Gianluigi’s son, had been making “inroads with Trump’s circle,” Bloomberg reported April 13.

He also helped arrange a November 2025 White House meeting with Swiss business leaders that led to a preliminary deal to reduce the 39% tariffs imposed on Switzerland over the summer.

The MSC executive chairman has been photographed with French President Emmanuel Macron. (Reuters/Stephane Mahe)

Over the last year, MSC’s relationship with the White House also positioned father Gianluigi Aponte as a key player in a $19 billion deal with Li Ka-shing, as MSC and BlackRock moved to acquire two Panama Canal ports under pressure from Trump to place them in “friendly” hands, according to the outlet.

With a net worth of at least $37 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, it is Gianluigi Aponte and his wife, Rafaela Aponte-Diamant, who appear to mingle with world leaders.

The MSC executive chairman and Rafaela have been photographed with French President Emmanuel Macron.

The Panama-flagged MSC Francesca vessel docked in Long Beach, Calif., April 16, 2025. (Efrain Morales/Reuters)

Rafaela is also reportedly related to Alexis Kohler (his mother is said to be her cousin), who served as Macron’s secretary-general from May 2017 to April 14, 2025, and was described as “Macron’s second brain.”

The Aponte family’s vessel, carrying about 40 crew members, was taken toward Iran’s port of Bandar Abbas by the Iranian navy, sources told Reuters Thursday.

Four crew members, including the captain, are from Montenegro, officials said, while Croatia’s foreign ministry confirmed two Croatian nationals are also aboard.

MSC declined to comment, Reuters confirmed.

The IRGC Navy claimed both vessels captured “were operating without the necessary permits.”

According to Lloyd’s List, the 2008-built MSC Francesca “normally operates in service between the U.S. West Coast, Asia and the Middle East Gulf.”

The individual involved in the incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner has been identified as a teacher from California.

According to information obtained by the Daily Mail, the suspect is 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, hailing from Torrance, a city near Los Angeles. He is accused of discharging a firearm at the Washington Hilton on Saturday evening.

Allen, a teacher in the Los Angeles region, was swiftly taken into custody by authorities shortly after he breached a security checkpoint. He now faces multiple charges, including those related to firearms and assault.

Police reported that the suspect was in possession of several weapons, including a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives.

In a dramatic turn, President Trump released a striking image that showed the suspect shirtless, lying prone on the ground. Officials confirmed that the suspect was not injured by gunfire during his apprehension.

In photos taken moments after Cole was pinned to the floor by agents, officers can be seen restraining him as others moved in to secure the area. 

Trump said the suspect was armed with multiple weapons before being stopped by the Secret Service. It’s believed Cole may have been a guest at the Hilton hotel where the event was taking place. 

Surveillance video shows the suspect as a complete blur as he made a run for it after he breached a security checkpoint and attempted to reach the doors to the ballroom where the president was gathered along with his most senior cabinet members. 

Cole is said to be a graduate of California State University (CSU) and CalTech.

President Donald Trump posted a photo of the alleged shooter on Saturday night, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of California

Members of law enforcement respond during the White House Correspondents Dinner. A man can be seen lying on the ground with their hands behind his back

Agents stand guard after an incident at the annual White House Correspondents Dinner 

During a press conference, Trump described him as ‘a sick person – a very sick person’.

‘He’s a lone wolf, a wack job. These are crazy people. Sick, sick people.’ 

Wolf Blitzer, who was inside the venue and just feet away from the shooter, told CNN the suspect was armed with a ‘major weapon’ and fired around six shots.

‘Apparently they got the gunman, he had a major weapon there, it was so worrisome. The noise was so loud. I was a few feet away from the gunman who was shooting randomly, half a dozen shots they were so loud,’ Blitzer said.

He continued: ‘Next thing I knew couple of police officers were jumping on me trying to protect me. I think then the gunman was shot, I could be wrong, but he stopped firing. I don’t know how an individual could get that close to the ballroom with a weapon like that – he clearly had a weapon he was clearly firing I don’t know if he was aiming at anyone. I was a few feet away from that but it was very, very frightening.’

The suspect’s identity has not yet been officially released, and authorities have not confirmed a motive. It also remains unclear how the individual was able to breach security perimeters and get so close to the ballroom entrance.

What is clear is the speed and force of the response.

Agents rushed to secure the room and evacuate President Trump, who had been preparing to deliver remarks. 

 President Donald Trump speaks, flanked by FBI Director Kash Patel and US Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, during a press briefing at the White House shortly after the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner

President Trump posted several photos of the suspect who is now in custody

As the suspect breached a security checkpoint he was little more than a blur on video 

People take cover as agents stand guard after an incident at thedinner

Security officials evacuate U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson as a shooter opens fire

At one point, the president stumbled briefly, appearing to trip, before being helped up and escorted off stage.

From one corner of the room, a spontaneous chant of ‘God Bless America’ broke out as the evacuation unfolded.

Among those in attendance were Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio – all of whom were safely removed from the venue.

Authorities say there were no immediate reports of injuries aside from a Secret Service Agent who was shot in the chest – but protected by his bullet proof vest.

Outside, the response intensified rapidly. Law enforcement and Secret Service personnel flooded the area, while members of the National Guard took up positions inside the building. 

Guests were allowed to leave but were prevented from re-entering as security teams swept the premises.

A law enforcement official confirmed that a suspect had been apprehended, though officials have yet to release further information about the individual or whether they acted alone.

Officers assist guests to exit during the White House Correspondents Dinner,

Many guests were shaken up following the incident

The White House released a statement confirming a suspect was in custody.

‘The US Secret Service, in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department, is investigating a shooting incident near the main magnetometer screening area at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. One individual is in custody. The condition of those involved is not yet known, and law enforcement is actively assessing the situation.’ 

Shortly after being evacuated, Trump also posted a message on his Truth Social platform praising the response.

‘Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON’ but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement.’

Organizers initially considered resuming the dinner, but officials ultimately decided to cancel the event. 

The individual responsible for the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., on Saturday night has been identified as Cole Allen, hailing from Torrance, California.

Authorities have confirmed that the 31-year-old suspect, who is employed as a teacher, was taken into custody following the outbreak of gunfire near the main security screening area of the event shortly after 8:30 p.m.

Stay updated with The Post for the latest developments on the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

According to reports, Allen managed to assemble a “long” firearm in a lightly supervised section close to the terrace-level entrance before he opened fire and made his way toward the ballroom.

Witnesses noted a “makeshift room” in proximity to the entrance where bar carts were stored, pointing out that there was an absence of security in that particular area at the time of the incident.

“He was in that room […] he grabbed it out of a bag or something,” said witness Helen Mabus, a volunteer working the event, adding that the weapon “was long” and “didn’t look like a typical gun.”

Witnesses described a frantic scene inside the venue after seven to eight shots were fired.

Attendees dove under tables as confusion spread. One journalist said guests “crawled under our table for what felt like a long time.”

President Donald Trump praised law enforcement for acting quickly.

“Quite an evening in DC Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, where he posted a photo of the suspect.

“The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON,’ but will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement,” he added.

Law enforcement will soon search the suspect’s Torrance residence, according to the president.

Trump also said a Secret Service agent was shot at close range but is expected to recover.

The annual event has been delayed and will be rescheduled within 30 days, according to Trump.

The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced on Friday that it is imposing sanctions on a prominent Chinese oil refinery and numerous vessels associated with Iran’s so-called “shadow fleet.” This move is part of an intensified effort to cut off Tehran’s primary revenue stream.

According to a press release, the sanctions target Hengli Petrochemical, a significant purchaser of Iranian oil, along with a network of maritime companies and tankers involved in transporting billions of dollars of petroleum products to international markets.

The Treasury Department has labeled these “shadow fleet” ships as a crucial financial support system for Iran’s “unstable regime.”

This initiative is a component of Economic Fury, a comprehensive strategy aimed at squeezing Iran’s financial resources by restricting its oil exports. The U.S. argues that the revenue generated from these exports funds Iran’s military operations and destabilizing activities throughout the Middle East.

“Economic Fury is effectively tightening the financial grip on the Iranian regime, mitigating its aggressive actions in the Middle East and putting a check on its nuclear pursuits,” stated Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

An oil tanker near the terminal at Kharg Island, Iran, as U.S. officials and analysts consider whether seizing the island could significantly impact Iran’s oil exports. (Ali Mohammadi/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery Co. is a China-based “teapot” refinery, a term used for independent facilities known for purchasing discounted crude, including from sanctioned countries.

The refinery, one of China’s largest independent facilities, has received Iranian oil cargoes from sanctioned shadow fleet vessels since at least 2023. Hengli has also purchased oil tied to Iran’s armed forces, generating hundreds of millions of dollars for the Iranian military.

Hengli has also received shipments tied to Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars Company, a firm identified by U.S. officials as a front for Iran’s armed forces that helps facilitate oil sales abroad. 

The company operates on behalf of Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff, using a network of intermediaries and vessels to move sanctioned crude, with proceeds helping fund the country’s military programs and regional proxy groups.

The Iranian-flagged Touska cargo ship after U.S. forces launched missiles at its control room after its violation of the U.S. blockade in the Strait of Hormuz April 20, 2026.   (U.S. Central Command )

The new sanctions also target the network that makes these oil sales possible, a “shadow fleet” of aging tankers and shell companies that move petroleum across global markets while evading sanctions and obscuring the origin of shipments.

These ships avoid detection by transferring cargo from one tanker to another in the open ocean. Treasury officials said 19 vessels were targeted in the action.

A U.S. military helicopter hovers over the sanctioned stateless crude oil tanker M/T Tifani during an interdiction April 21, 2026. (Department of War)

The move is part of the Trump administration’s renewed “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, aimed at cutting off the regime’s primary source of revenue through oil exports and sanctions enforcement.

U.S. officials say oil exports remain the backbone of Iran’s economy, and efforts to restrict those flows are designed to limit the government’s ability to fund its military, support proxy groups and advance its nuclear program.

Treasury officials warned that additional sanctions are likely as the U.S. continues targeting the networks, intermediaries and buyers that enable Iran to move oil on the global market.

The atmosphere at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner dramatically shifted when shots were fired, prompting an immediate evacuation of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.

What is usually a celebrated evening in Washington, D.C., quickly descended into turmoil at roughly 8:15 p.m. Shots echoed through the lobby of the Washington Hilton, sending shockwaves through the event.

In a swift response, the President and First Lady were escorted to safety, with members of the cabinet following closely behind.

The prestigious gathering had just started when a suspect, wielding a substantial weapon, burst into the hotel lobby, causing panic among attendees.

Thousands of guests found themselves scrambling for cover beneath tables and chairs as Secret Service agents urgently directed everyone in the ballroom to take evasive action.

Audible gasps echoed through the ballroom as guests realized something was happening. Hundreds of journalists got on phones to call in information. 

A Secret Service agent was shot but he was wearing a protective vest a source familiar with the matter told The Daily Mail.

No injuries have been reported and the president has since confirmed the shooter has been ‘apprehended.’

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were both rushed off stage from the White House Correspondents’ Dinner after gunshots were heard inside the Washington Hilton

Donald Trump is escorted out as a shooter opens fire during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington

The President was attending the event for the first time since 2011 and was set to be honored and give a speech 

He and the First Lady have since departed the hotel and returned to the White House, where he will hold a press conference shortly. 

The President was attending the event for the first time since 2011 and was set to be honored and give a speech. 

The Secret Service and other authorities swarmed the banquet hall at the Washington Hilton as guests dining on burrata salad ducked under tables by the hundreds. 

‘Out of the way, sir!’ someone yelled. Others yelled to duck. 

‘The US Secret Service, in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department, is investigating a shooting incident near the main magnetometer screening area at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. One individual is in custody,’ a White House official told The Daily Mail in a statement. 

The condition of those involved is not yet known and law enforcement is actively assessing the situation.’ 

Trump confirmed the gunman was in custody in a post to Truth Social.

‘Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON’ but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement. They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again.’

Security officials evacuate U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife, Cheryl Hines, as a shooter opens fire

Security officials evacuate U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson

About an hour later, however, WHCA President Weijia Jiang said that the Secret Service had asked everyone to leave. 

‘We will do this again,’ said Jiang. Shortly afterward, staff began breaking down table settings and the presidential lectern. 

Daily Mail reporters in attendance reported hearing three to four shots and hearing Secret Service agents yelling to get down. 

Some in the crowd reported hearing what they believed to be five to eight shots fired. 

The banquet hall — where hundreds of prominent journalists, celebrities and national leaders were awaiting Trump’s speech — was immediately evacuated. 

Members of the National Guard took up position inside the building as people were allowed to leave but not re-enter. Security outside was also extremely tight.

It was not immediately clear what happened. A law enforcement official confirmed there was a shooter but no further details were immediately available. 

Those in attendance included Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Anchor Wolf Blitzer later reported that the police said the gunman had a ‘major weapon.’ 

Law enforcement respond during an incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner

Agents stand guard after an incident at the annual White House Correspondents Association Dinner

Trump alongside WHCA President Weijia Jiang, did not appear to notice the gunshots before they were evacuated, as the President was speaking to the host, mentalist Oz Pearlman.  

Shouts of ‘God bless America’ were heard throughout the ballroom as the entire dais was led out of the room, with many of the other guests still inside. 

Protesters had been spotted both outside and inside the Washington Hilton related to the Iran War and Israel’s war on Hamas ahead of the dinner.  

Jiang announced about a half hour later that the program was set to resume in ‘not much longer.’ 

Trump arrived Saturday night to an event where the leaders of a nation at war mingled with celebrities, journalists and even a puppet — Triumph the Insult Comic Dog — in a dinner that typically generates debate about whether the relationship between journalists and their sources should include socializing together and putting aside sometimes adversarial relationships.

Trump and wife Melania popped up on stage after leaving the White House Saturday night, as the rest of the star studded attendees walked the red carpet and took their seats with JD Vance and his wife Usha, as well as Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.  

The President has had a rocky relationship with the annual shindig, held by the White House Correspondents’ Association, but was pleased to be named an honoree for this year’s event.

Past presidents who have attended have generally spoken about the importance of free speech and the First Amendment, adding in some light roasts about individual journalists.

Trump arrived Saturday night to an event where the leaders of a nation at war mingled with celebrities and journalists

According to reports, President Donald Trump, along with other government officials, were evacuated from the Washington Hilton after what sounded like gun fire

The Republican president did not attend during his first term or the first year of his second. 

He came as a guest in 2011, sitting in the audience as President Barack Obama, a Democrat, made some jokes about the New York real estate developer. 

Trump also attended as a private citizen in 2015.

Past dinners have also featured comedians who poke at presidents. This year, the group opted to hire mentalist Oz Pearlman as the featured entertainment.