A cargo vessel en route to Gujarat was among three commercial ships intercepted by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Wednesday, in a move that has further strained regional stability following the extension of a fragile ceasefire by US President Donald Trump.

According to Iranian state media, the ships — MSC Francesca (registered in Panama) and Epaminondas (registered in Liberia) — were taken into custody and escorted to Iranian territory. A third vessel, the Greek-owned Euphoria, was also reportedly targeted and remains immobilised near the Iranian coastline.

Maritime tracking data indicates that Epaminondas had departed from Dubai and was sailing toward Mundra Port in Gujarat at the time of the interception. Iranian naval authorities alleged that the vessels lacked proper clearance and had interfered with their tracking systems, claiming this posed risks to navigational safety.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) earlier reported that three merchant ships faced gunfire in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic oil transit route that has seen heightened military activity since the outbreak of hostilities in the region. Reports suggest that one vessel sustained damage to its bridge due to gunfire and rocket-propelled explosives, though no injuries among crew members have been reported.

The latest development follows recent actions by US forces, who boarded and seized two Iranian-flagged cargo ships near the Gulf of Oman as part of an ongoing naval blockade. Tehran has demanded the lifting of the blockade as a condition for further diplomatic engagement, while Washington has signalled that the restrictions will remain in place, citing efforts to curb Iran’s oil exports.

The incident also comes shortly after two Indian vessels — Jag Arnav and Sanmar Herald — were fired upon while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, despite assurances from Tehran that ships from certain friendly nations would not be targeted. The attacks prompted India to summon Iran’s envoy and formally express concern.

With multiple commercial ships now caught in the crossfire, the situation threatens to disrupt maritime trade and further inflame tensions in a region critical to global energy supplies.