War in the Middle East: Iran announces capture of two ships in the Strait of Hormuz despite prolongation

The Guardians of the Revolution asserted on Wednesday, 22nd April, that their naval forces had intercepted two ships attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz just hours after the unilateral extension of the ceasefire by Donald Trump. This crucial passage for global oil transport is subject to a double blockade by the United States and Iran.

The Guardians of the Revolution stated on Wednesday, April 22, that their naval forces had identified and stopped two ships in violation this morning in the Strait of Hormuz. The two offending ships were seized and directed towards the Iranian coast by the Guardians of the Revolution. According to Tehran, ships must obtain permission to enter or exit the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz.

A third boat came under fire while located 8 nautical miles west of Iran, according to the British maritime security agency UKTMO, but it was able to leave the strait towards the Saudi port of Jeddah, as reported by the Marinetraffic website. These incidents highlight the fragility of the ceasefire that came into effect on April 8.

Donald Trump indefinitely extended the ceasefire with Iran on Tuesday evening, just hours before it was set to expire, to allow more time for Iranians to join peace negotiations under the auspices of Pakistani mediators. The Iranian government has yet to comment on this extension. However, Tehran is reportedly “examining various aspects,” according to the Iranian state television.