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PTC Web Desk: Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz escalated on Wednesday after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized two cargo vessels, including one that was headed towards Gujarat’s Mundra Port.

According to Iranian state media, the ships, Panama-flagged MSC Francesca and Liberia-flagged Epaminondas, have been taken into custody and moved to Iranian territory. Another vessel, the Greek-owned Euphoria, was also targeted during the incident and is now stranded near the Iranian coast.

Shipping data shows that Epaminondas was on its way from Dubai to Mundra Port when it was intercepted. Iranian authorities claimed that the ships lacked proper clearance and had tampered with their navigation systems, posing a risk to maritime safety.

Earlier, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that three commercial vessels came under attack in the region. The Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route, has remained under tight Iranian control amid ongoing tensions, affecting energy supplies and pushing crude prices higher.

Reports suggest that one of the vessels suffered damage to its bridge due to gunfire and rocket attacks, though no injuries among crew members have been reported.

The latest action is being seen as a possible response to recent moves by the United States. American forces had reportedly seized two Iranian vessels near the Gulf of Oman as part of a naval blockade aimed at restricting Iran’s oil exports.

The situation had already been tense after two India-linked ships, jag Arnav and Sanmar Herald, were attacked last week while passing through the same route. This was despite Iran earlier indicating that ships from certain “friendly” countries would not be targeted.

Following those incidents, India raised the issue with Iran and expressed serious concern over the safety of its vessels and crew in the region.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical route for global oil trade, and any disruption there has immediate international impact.