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Iran says seizes two container ships attempting to exit Gulf

Iran says seizes two container ships attempting to exit Gulf

DUBAI/ATHENS, April 22 (Reuters) - Iran seized 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 war with the United States and Israel began in February.
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Shipping Through Hormuz Strait Slows Amid U.S.-Iran Tensions and Iranian Ship Seizure

Shipping Through Hormuz Strait Slows Amid U.S.-Iran Tensions and Iranian Ship Seizure

Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed significantly following an escalation in tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Over the weekend, Iran fired warning shots at vessels, and the U.S. military seized an Iranian cargo ship. As a result, only a few ships have been able to pass through the strait, which is a critical passage for global oil shipments. The situation has led to increased war risk insurance rates and fluctuating oil prices. The U.S. recently renewed a waiver on sanctions for Russian oil, allowing purchases to resume temporarily.
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US Marines Enforce Blockade by Seizing Iranian Vessel in Gulf

US Marines Enforce Blockade by Seizing Iranian Vessel in Gulf

US Marines have taken control of an Iranian-flagged vessel, the Touska, which attempted to breach a US blockade in the Gulf. The operation involved Marines from the USS Tripoli, who rappelled onto the ship after the USS Spruance disabled its propulsion. The Touska was intercepted while trying to enter the Arabian Sea, following a six-hour standoff where it ignored repeated warnings from US forces. This marks the first instance of the US seizing an Iranian tanker since the blockade was established. President Trump praised the operation, highlighting the enforcement of sanctions against the vessel due to its history of illegal activities.
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President Trump Accuses Iran of Ceasefire Violation Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions

President Trump Accuses Iran of Ceasefire Violation Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions

President Trump recently declared that the Strait of Hormuz was 'COMPLETELY OPEN AND READY FOR BUSINESS,' but soon after accused Iran of violating the ceasefire by firing in the same waters. This sequence of events has led to U.S. forces reportedly seizing an Iranian-flagged vessel attempting to cross the strait. Trump has indicated that it is 'highly unlikely' he will extend the two-week ceasefire, which is set to expire on Wednesday, without a deal. The situation highlights the complexities and rapid developments in the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran, particularly concerning the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil shipments.
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Iran's IRGC Seizes Two Boxships Linked to MSC Amid U.S. Blockade

Iran's IRGC Seizes Two Boxships Linked to MSC Amid U.S. Blockade

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has seized two containerships linked to MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company in retaliation for U.S. actions in the Persian Gulf. The seizures follow U.S. forces disabling an Iranian containership and boarding a crude oil tanker linked to Iranian trade. Iran claims the vessels disrupted the order and security of the Strait of Hormuz and lacked necessary permits. The IRGC has closed the Strait, demanding an end to the U.S. blockade as a condition for reopening.
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Hormuz shipping again near standstill after shots and seizure

Hormuz shipping again near standstill after shots and seizure

By Jonathan Saul and Nerijus Adomaitis LONDON, April 20 (Reuters) - Ships were largely avoiding the Strait of Hormuz on Monday after an escalation at the weekend in which Iran fired what appeared to be warning shots at vessels and the U.S. military seized an Iranian cargo ship.
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Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz, Fires on Multiple Vessels Amid Tensions

Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz, Fires on Multiple Vessels Amid Tensions

Iranian officials have declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, reversing previous statements that it would remain open during a ceasefire. This decision comes amid reports of Iranian forces firing on several ships, including a containership and a tanker, in the region. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a containership was struck by a projectile, causing damage to containers but no injuries. Additionally, two Indian vessels were forced to turn back after being fired upon by Iran's Sepah Navy. The closure of the Strait, a critical maritime passage, follows accusations from Iran that the United States violated the ceasefire by continuing to blockade Iranian ships and ports.
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U.S. Seizes Iranian Cargo Ship Amid Rising Tensions in Strait of Hormuz

U.S. Seizes Iranian Cargo Ship Amid Rising Tensions in Strait of Hormuz

U.S. forces have seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, as announced by President Trump on social media. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the Iranian ship did not comply with U.S. warnings over a six-hour period, leading to U.S. forces firing on and boarding the vessel. This incident marks an escalation in tensions as the ceasefire between the U.S., Israel, and Iran approaches its end. The seizure is part of ongoing disputes over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil shipments. President Trump has emphasized the need to reopen the strait to stabilize oil markets and has set a red line concerning Iran's nuclear program.
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Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Amid U.S. Blockade Tensions

Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Amid U.S. Blockade Tensions

Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage, following a U.S. blockade. This action comes just a day after Iran had declared the strait open. The closure is part of Iran's response to the U.S. blockade, which Tehran demands be lifted. The situation adds complexity to ongoing peace talks, as the strait is a vital route for global oil shipments. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which sees a significant portion of the world's oil supply pass through, could have substantial implications for global energy markets.
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Iranian Gunboats Fire on Indian Oil Tanker in Strait of Hormuz

Iranian Gunboats Fire on Indian Oil Tanker in Strait of Hormuz

Iranian gunboats fired on two Indian-flagged merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions with the United States. The incident occurred after Iran reversed its decision to reopen the strait, following a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. The attack was captured in an audio recording, highlighting the dangerous situation in the region. The closure of the strait, a critical passage for global oil supplies, threatens to disrupt energy markets and exacerbate geopolitical tensions. India's Ministry of External Affairs has summoned Iran's ambassador to express concern over the incident.
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Shipping Through Hormuz Strait Slows After Iranian Ship Seizure Raises Tensions

Shipping Through Hormuz Strait Slows After Iranian Ship Seizure Raises Tensions

Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has significantly decreased following a recent escalation involving Iran and the United States. Over the weekend, Iran fired warning shots at vessels, and the U.S. military seized an Iranian cargo ship. This has led to a dramatic reduction in the number of ships passing through the strait, with only a fraction of the usual 130 vessels per day making the transit. The situation has been further complicated by the Trump administration's decision to renew a waiver on sanctions for Russian oil, allowing purchases to resume temporarily. This move comes amid fears that the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran could collapse, as Iran has vowed retaliation and refused to engage in new peace talks.