Ruptly
"Iranian state TV released on Sunday footage showing a large containership being seized by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) over an attempt to breach navigation rules and being linked to Israel. Footage captures container-laden vessels operating under the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) stranded at sea with journalists and cameramen on boats filming the capture. The date and location of the footage cannot be verified at the time of publication. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said on Wednesday it had seized two container vessels identified as MSC Francesca and Epaminodes for operating without authorisation, citing alleged ties with Israel concerning the MSC containership. The operation was framed by the IRGC as 'intelligent monitoring' of the Strait of Hormuz, citing several violations by the two vessels, including tampering with navigation systems and unauthorised operations jeopardising maritime safety. The statement further noted that the vessels were transferred to Iranian territorial waters for inspection of cargo and documentation. The US President Donald Trump announced on April 13 a naval blockade on Iranian ports, including the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Tehran to close the strategic waterway. Earlier, Trump announced a two-week ceasefire, later extending it, to pave the way for Tehran to submit its proposals to end the conflict, without a specific deadline. The two sides held talks in Islamabad, mediated by Pakistan, which did not lead to a final agreement, whilst diplomatic efforts continue to hold new rounds of negotiations. On Saturday, President Trump recalled special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner after cancelling the second round of talks due to take place in Islamabad."
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