Iran Attacks Three Ships in Strait of Hormuz as Ceasefire Holds
Published: April 22, 2026 | 3:15 PM EDT
Iran fired on three commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz and seized two of them Wednesday, escalating maritime tensions even as President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire indefinitely. The attacks came one day after the U.S. maintained its naval blockade of Iranian ports, with no diplomatic breakthrough in sight.
The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that Iran's Revolutionary Guard approached and fired upon a container ship, causing heavy damage to the vessel's bridge. No injuries were reported. Iranian state media confirmed the seizure of two ships—the MSC Francesca and the Epaminondas—and said they were being escorted to Iranian ports. A third vessel, the Euphoria, was reported stranded on the Iranian coast.
The standoff has effectively choked off nearly all oil exports through the strait, where 20% of the world's traded crude normally passes. Brent crude prices surged past $100 per barrel, marking a 35% increase from prewar levels. The European Union energy commissioner estimated the disruption is costing Europe approximately 500 million euros ($600 million) daily.
Iranian officials accused the United States of bad faith in negotiations, pointing to the American seizure of two Iranian vessels earlier this week. Tehran has not committed to attending rescheduled peace talks in Pakistan, demanding the blockade be lifted first. Hard-line supporters held rallies in Tehran displaying missiles and launchers in defiance of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes that targeted Iran's ballistic missile arsenal since the war began February 28.
In Lebanon, violence continued despite a 10-day ceasefire. An Israeli drone strike killed one person in Jabbour, while a separate attack in Tayri killed two others. French President Emmanuel Macron announced that a French peacekeeper wounded in a weekend attack on UN forces had died, marking the second French fatality. Hezbollah denied involvement in the attack that drew international condemnation.
Casualty counts since the war's outbreak reached at least 3,375 in Iran, more than 2,290 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel, and dozens across Gulf Arab states. Fifteen Israeli soldiers and 13 U.S. service members have been killed in action.
Global energy markets remain on edge as analysts warn that prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger supply shortages affecting gasoline prices, food costs, and industrial production worldwide. Vortexa analytics recorded only 34 sanctioned or Iranian-linked tanker movements in the week following the U.S. blockade imposition, down sharply from normal traffic levels.
Diplomatic efforts continue in Washington, where Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors are scheduled to meet Thursday to discuss extending the Lebanon ceasefire. However, prospects for broader U.S.-Iran negotiations remain uncertain absent progress on core disputes over the blockade and shipping access.
Sources: Associated Press, BBC, CNBC, CNN This story is developing.
