Iran releases video purporting to show commandos seizing ships in Strait of Hormuz

Iran has released a video purportedly showing armed, masked commandos seizing two cargo vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The propaganda clip was pumped out by state media Wednesday after the regime boasted it had seized the Panama-flagged MSC Francesca and Liberia-flagged Epaminondas vessels, just hours after the cease-fire was extended.In the video, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps soldiers are seen speeding toward a container ship that had MSC emblazoned on the side before scaling a ladder and boarding the vessel.The commandos are wearing masks and carrying guns on their backs.Then, soldiers were filmed approaching the Epaminondas before they entered a supposed engine room.The armed soldiers then climbed up the stairs to the ship’s top decks.The IRGC has accused the two vessels of operating without the required permit and tampering with their navigation systems. Personnel on the Epaminondas reported damage to its bridge after Iranian soldiers opened fire and hurled grenades from a gunboat, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations.Technomar Shipping Inc officials, the Greek-based operator of the container ship, said the vessel had been boarded by Iranian soldiers.The MSC Francesca also came under fire – around six miles off the coast of Iran – and sources at the intelligence firm Vanguard said it was “instructed to drop anchor,” BBC reported.Panama has condemned Iran for seizing the vessel – branding the act “illegal.”They said Tehran’s act posed a “serious threat to maritime security,” constituting an “unnecessary escalation” at a time when the West is trying to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open.However, Washington has said the cease-fire wasn’t violated as a result of Iran’s acts.“These were not US ships.

These were not Israeli ships.These were two international vessels,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News. “And for the American media who is sort of blowing this out of proportion to di...