The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has seized two vessels, MSC Francesca and Epaminondas, in the Strait of Hormuz, citing violations related to navigation systems. The IRGC stated that these ships were stopped and directed to the Iranian coast. The MSC Francesca, a Panama-flagged container ship, was reportedly damaged during an attack while sailing south from the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman. The Epaminondas, flagged under Liberia, was headed to Gujarat, India from Jebel Ali in Dubai. This incident is part of a broader pattern of escalating tensions in the region, with at least three container ships attacked by Iranian forces in recent days. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre confirmed the attacks, stating that the crew of the targeted vessels remained unharmed. As tensions rise, the geopolitical implications for maritime trade in this critical waterway are significant.