Ships Attacked in Strait of Hormuz as U.S.–Iran Ceasefire Faces Fresh Strain

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Container ship under attack in Strait of Hormuz amid rising US-Iran tensions — In this handout photo from U.S. Central Command, U.S. forces patrol the Arabian Sea near M/V Touska on April 20, 2026, after firing upon the Iranian-flagged vessel that the U.S. accused of attempting to violate the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz.

At least two ships were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, adding pressure to already fragile efforts to restart talks between the United States and Iran.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations said an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) gunboat fired on a container ship about 15 nautical miles northeast of Oman. There was no warning before the shooting began, and the vessel’s bridge was badly damaged. All crew members were reported safe.

A few hours later, another incident was reported about 8 nautical miles west of Iran. A cargo ship said it had been fired on and was forced to stop. Its crew was also confirmed safe, though it was not immediately clear who carried out the attack.

Tracking data showed two vessels — MSC Francesca and Epaminondas — stopped near the strait after earlier broadcasting their positions in the Persian Gulf.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps later said its navy had intercepted the ships and escorted them to the Iranian coast. It claimed the vessels entered the area without permission and had interfered with their navigation systems. Reports also suggested the ships had switched off their tracking signals while moving through the strait.

Iran warned that any disruption to traffic in the waterway would not be tolerated, calling it a “red line.”

There were also reports of a third ship being hit, though this has not been confirmed. Following the incidents, several vessels approaching the strait reportedly turned back.

The attacks came shortly after Donald Trump extended the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, giving more time for negotiations. He said the move was meant to allow Iran to come up with a unified proposal.

Iran, however, said it had not asked for the extension. Some officials dismissed it, arguing that continued military pressure made the ceasefire meaningless.

Tensions had already been building after U.S. forces seized an Iranian-linked container ship over the weekend and boarded an oil tanker tied to Iran’s trade in the Indian Ocean.

The latest incidents underline how unstable the Strait of Hormuz remains, even as diplomatic efforts continue.