Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) seized two cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz, claiming they were violating maritime rules. The Panamanian government has condemned the move.
Panama’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong condemnation of the seizure of the MSC Francesca, which was sailing under its flag.
“The ship was transiting the Strait of Hormuz when it was seized and forcibly taken to Iranian territorial waters,” the ministry stated on X.
It described Iran’s actions as posing “a serious threat to maritime security” and constituting “an unnecessary escalation at a time when the international community is advocating for the Strait of Hormuz to remain open to international navigation without threats or blackmail of any kind.”
In reply, Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian posted on X, “The Islamic Republic of Iran has welcomed dialogue and agreement and continues to do so.
Breach of commitments, blockade, and threats are the main obstacles to genuine negotiations. The world sees your endless hypocritical rhetoric and the contradiction between claims and actions.”
The vessels have been identified as the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca (Italian-owned and operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company) and the Liberian-flagged Epaminondas (Greek-owned and on charter to MSC).
Experts suggest the IRGC is seeking to project full control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz amid the continuing deadlock with the United States on multiple issues.
The move is widely seen as a direct response by the IRGC Navy, which had vowed retaliation only days earlier after the United States seized Iranian cargo vessels – including the Touska – in the Gulf of Oman.
The incident sends a clear message that both the IRGC’s ground and naval forces stand ready to respond to any escalation involving the United States.
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