The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has confirmed the capture of the commercial vessel Epaminondas in the Strait of Hormuz, citing allegations of extensive cooperation with the United States military. The operation followed a detailed six-month intelligence surveillance period during which the ship was monitored making multiple suspicious calls at various American ports.
Tehran justified the seizure by accusing the vessel of ignoring several radio warnings and violating international maritime laws while attempting to navigate the strategically critical waterway. The IRGC Navy’s intelligence division stated that the Epaminondas had been under close observation since late 2025.
Naval officials argued that the ship’s movements deviated from typical commercial shipping routes, suggesting it was providing logistical or intelligence assistance to U.S. forces operating in the region. Notably, the IRGC claimed the vessel tried to pass through the Strait of Hormuz covertly by disabling its transponders and disregarding maritime safety regulations.
After intercepting the ship, Iranian forces redirected it into Iranian territorial waters, where it remains under guard as authorities conduct a thorough inspection of its cargo and navigational records.
In a significant development, this seizure marks a tougher Iranian maritime posture amid a tense regional security climate. While diplomatic efforts aim to ease broader conflicts, the IRGC’s move underscores Tehran’s resolve to enforce strict control over all traffic transiting the world’s most crucial oil shipping route.
Meanwhile, the incident follows warnings issued by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) about harassment of commercial vessels in the Gulf. Analysts interpret Tehran’s framing of the seizure as a response to U.S. military collaboration as reinforcing its narrative of protecting maritime sovereignty against Western interference in Middle Eastern waters.
