Iran has released video footage depicting its commandos pursuing and capturing two commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, one of which was en route to India. The recording, reminiscent of an action film, follows a recent incident where U.S. forces intercepted two Iranian vessels attempting to violate a blockade in the same area.
The event occurred shortly after a U.S. announcement extending a temporary halt in hostilities. Iranian naval units targeted the Panama-registered MSC Francesca and the Liberia-registered Epaminondas. The latter was traveling from Dubai to Mundra Port in Gujarat. Both ships were directed to Iranian territory.
In the footage, Iranian personnel in high-speed boats close in on the ships. This contradicts assertions that Iran’s naval capabilities were severely weakened. U.S. sources attribute the operation to Iran’s fleet of small, agile craft managed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The video captures armed, masked operatives ascending a ladder to board the MSC Francesca. On the Epaminondas, they perform inspections with weapons drawn and access the machinery area. Additional scenes show them reaching the upper levels of the vessel.
The India-destined ship sustained damage to its control center from gunfire and explosives launched from the boats, though no crew members were harmed. The MSC Francesca, located about six miles from Iran’s coastline, also faced intense shooting.
The IRGC stated that the vessels lacked proper permissions and had altered their tracking equipment, posing risks to navigation. They emphasized that any interference with the strait’s security would not be tolerated.
