Government-linked media reports in Iran are making the claim that the country apparently still being run by a rogue Islamic regime has taken control of two commercial ships in the contested waters of the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran continues to present a nebulous goal for a leader like President Donald Trump who is trying to make sure Iran’s threats of nuclear vaporization are neutralized and offer the region stability for the first time in nearly 50 years.
Talks that had been scheduled with Iranians are on hold, the nation didn’t even respond to Trump’s announcement of an extension of a ceasefire and there are reports that internal factions are at war with each other in Tehran.
The ships reportedly taken by Iran include the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca and the Greek-flagged Epaminondas. Iran claimed the two ships didn’t have the proper permits.
Fox News said it was “state media” that made the claims about the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps having taken “custody” of the ships.
International ship tracking from Marine Traffic shows both vessels stationary off the coast of Iran in the strait, the report noted.
Trump, on Truth Social, said there’s a reason Iran is getting desperate, and it’s because of the blockade he’s ordered of Iranian ports, essentially cutting of the nation’s business.
“Iran is collapsing financially! They want the Strait of Hormuz opened immediately- Starving for cash! Losing 500 Million Dollars a day. Military and Police complaining that they are not getting paid. SOS!!!” he said.
The Daily Mail said Iran also “attacked” a third ship for being “non-compliant” with its demands but it was not captured.
🚨 BREAKING: Iran has reportedly attacked multiple ships in the Strait of Hormuz after President Trump extended the ceasefire. | @MattFinnFNC @foxandfriends pic.twitter.com/uh6l7s2DKw
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 22, 2026
🚨 BREAKING: THE IRANIAN GUARD JUST TOOK THE AYATOLLAH HOSTAGE 🚨
Generals are BLOCKING Peace Talks, holding their own negotiators HOSTAGE while the economy COLLAPSES 💥📉
“NO ONE’S CALLING THE SHOTS” … A COUP IS IN THE WORKS! 👀🔥
U.S. WARSHIPS STACKING THE REGION — ONE… pic.twitter.com/MuCPqxm9I7
— Jesse Watters (@JesseBWatters) April 22, 2026
Various reports were coming out of the regime’s media, including claims from Tasnim that the targeted ships had endangered maritime security by operating without the necessary permits.
Meanwhile, the IRGC-affiliated Fars news agency said the third vessel was called Euphoria.
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