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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired on multiple commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, escalating tensions less than a day after President Donald Trump extended a fragile ceasefire and urged Tehran to return to negotiations.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said an IRGC gunboat opened fire on a container ship about 15 nautical miles northeast of Oman, causing heavy damage to the vessel’s bridge. No fires or injuries were reported, and the crew was safe.
In a separate incident later in the day, another cargo ship west of Iran was fired upon and forced to stop, though it did not sustain damage, according to UKMTO.
The incidents come as tensions remain high despite a temporary halt in broader hostilities. On Tuesday, Trump announced he would extend the ceasefire indefinitely following requests from Pakistani officials, including Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to allow more time for diplomacy.
The ceasefire had been set to expire, but negotiations between the U.S. and Iran have yet to resume.
Iranian state-linked Fars News Agency reported that IRGC naval forces seized two “violating” ships and directed them toward Iranian waters. It remains unclear whether those vessels are the same ones referenced by UKMTO.
The differing accounts highlight the uncertainty surrounding maritime incidents in the region, where multiple actors monitor and report on developments.
The attacks occurred as the U.S. continues a naval blockade of Iranian ports and maintains a heavy presence in the strait, one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.
The blockade, imposed last week after Iran restricted shipping traffic, has disrupted global energy markets and contributed to rising oil and fuel prices.
Trump has insisted the blockade will remain in place until a new agreement is reached, arguing it is necessary to pressure Tehran into negotiations.
Trump suggested Iran is under economic strain and eager to reopen the waterway, despite ongoing restrictions.
“Iran is collapsing financially,” he wrote on social media, claiming the country is losing hundreds of millions of dollars daily due to limited oil exports.
At the same time, he warned that failure to reach a deal could result in broader U.S. military action targeting Iranian infrastructure.
The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant share of global oil shipments, making any disruption a major concern for international markets.
Recent incidents, including reported attacks on commercial vessels and Iran’s intermittent restrictions on shipping, have heightened fears of a wider regional conflict.
Analysts say the situation underscores the fragility of the ceasefire, with both sides continuing to apply pressure while leaving the door open to negotiations.
With the ceasefire extended but no clear timeline for talks, the risk of further escalation remains high.
Diplomatic efforts are expected to continue in the coming days, but continued maritime incidents could complicate negotiations and further destabilize global energy markets.
