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ConflictsIran

Iran seizes 2 container ships in Strait of Hormuz

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April 23, 2026

Tehran said it has captured two container ships seeking to exit the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz. Both Iran and the US are now using the vitally important shipping lane as leverage.

Tensions are rising again in the Strait of Hormuz , a key global shipping route, after Iranian  state TV aired images of Revolutionary Guard forces seizing two container ships.

The Revolutionary Guard said the ships lacked permits and threatened maritime security. A third vessel was reportedly fired on.

Montenegro has confirmed that four of its sailors are on one ship. The US has said it seized an oil tanker linked to Iranian smuggling and is maintaining a naval blockade of Iranian ports. Washington has warned the strait could remain disrupted for months.

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