Iran says it seizes two container ships attempting to leave Gulf

Iran said it had captured two container ships seeking ​to exit the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday after firing on them and another vessel, in its first seizures since US and Israel launched attacks on the Islamic Republic in February.

Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported the seizures and added its Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy had also warned that any disruption to order and safety in the strait would be considered a "red line".

The IRGC accused the seized ships, the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca and Liberia-flagged Epaminondas, of operating without required permits and tampering with their navigation systems.

The Greek-operated Epaminondas had reported being fired ​upon about 20 nautical miles northwest of Oman. 

It said it had sustained damage to its bridge after being hit by gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades from an ​IRGC gunboat, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations and maritime security sources.

Greek operator Technomar Shipping Inc confirmed the attack in ⁠a statement and said that its crew were safe.—Reuters