Iran Ship Seizures Show ‘Weaponization of Trade’ in Hormuz, Xeneta Warns

Iran’s reported seizure of two MSC containerships in the Strait of Hormuz is the latest sign the crisis in the strategic waterway has evolved beyond a shipping disruption into what one analyst is calling the “weaponization of trade.”

Hours after President Donald Trump extended the U.S.-Iran ceasefire while maintaining a naval blockade, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was reported to have seized the 11,660-TEU MSC Francesca and the 6,690-TEU MSC Epaminondas, escalating concerns over retaliation against commercial shipping.

“This is the weaponization of trade,” said Peter Sand of Xeneta.

“The extended ceasefire can be seen as a positive step, but if it brings