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Iran Seizes Ships as Hormuz Traffic Halts
Iran seized two container ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The ships were named MSC Francesca and Epaminondas.
Iran said the seizures were due to ceasefire breaches by the United States and Israel. State media said both ships were taken to Iran's coast.
The seizures happened hours after President Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran. Trump extended it at Pakistan's request while waiting for a proposal from Iran.
The White House said Trump does not see the seizures as a ceasefire violation. The ships were not American or Israeli.
Iran's chief negotiator said US and Israeli actions make it impossible to reopen the strait. He said a US naval blockade and Israeli actions are Iran's main concerns.
Iran also struck a third ship called the Euphoria on Wednesday. Traffic in the strait has nearly stopped as Iran keeps attacking vessels.
Both the United States and Iran have set up separate blockades of the strait. Oil prices reacted sharply and Brent crude briefly passed $100 per barrel.
Military planners from over 30 countries met at a United Kingdom air force base. They are planning to reopen the strait once a lasting ceasefire is reached. About 20% of the world's oil and gas passed through the strait in peacetime.
Klear Note — The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman. About 20% of world's oil and gas normally passes through it. Disruptions there affect global energy prices and economies worldwide.
Key Terms 5
- Strait of Hormuz
- Narrow sea passage between Iran and Oman used for global oil shipping
- ceasefire
- An agreement to stop fighting between two or more sides
- blockade
- When a country uses military force to stop ships entering or leaving
- Brent crude
- A standard type of oil used to set global oil prices
- Ghalibaf
- Iran's parliament speaker and chief negotiator in ceasefire talks