23/04/2026
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23/04/2026
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PANAMA CITY, Apr 23: Panama has strongly condemned what it described as the “illegal seizure” of a vessel flying its flag in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Iran of violating international law and escalating maritime tensions in the region.
In a statement, Panama’s foreign ministry said the ship—identified as MSC Francesca, owned by Italian shipping giant MSC—was “forcibly taken” into Iranian waters on Wednesday. Authorities said it remains unclear whether the vessel is still being held.
“The seizure represents a serious attack on maritime security and constitutes an unnecessary escalation,” the ministry said, calling for respect for international navigation laws.
The incident adds to growing concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes.
Panama, which operates one of the world’s largest ship registries, noted that roughly 16% of global vessels sail under its flag, amplifying the significance of the incident for international maritime operations.
