Iran seizes ships, fires in Strait of Hormuz as tensions rise

Iran seized two ships and fired on three vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, tightening its grip on the strategic waterway, after US President Donald Trump called off attacks indefinitely.

One of the three may have been headed for Gujarat, according to initial shipping data.



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Iran parliament speaker Mohammad Qalibaf said the Strait would not reopen as long as the US naval blockade remained, calling it a "blatant violation of the ceasefire."

The Revolutionary Guards are said to have seized two vessels for maritime violations, and escorted them to Iranian shores. It is the first time Iran has seized ships since the war began. The Guards also warned that any disruption to order and safety in the Strait would be considered a "red line."

Trump said Iran had halted alleged plans to execute eight women arrested over anti-government protests, after he urged Tehran to release them to help peace negotiations. He earlier posted that the US had agreed to "hold our attack on ...Iran."