Panama Condemns IRGC Seizure Of MSC Francesca

Panama has formally condemned Iran’s seizure of the MSC Francesca as “illegal” and “a grave attack against maritime security”, after the IRGC took the Italian-owned, Panamanian-flagged container ship and the Epaminodes into an Iranian port yesterday.

Iran’s state broadcaster claimed the vessels tampered with navigation systems and exited the strait without authorisation, a claim with no basis in international law.

Iran then released footage of the seizure as domestic propaganda.

Panama’s Foreign Ministry warned of “unnecessary escalation” and demanded the ship’s release.

It is the latest sign that Tehran intends to weaponise commercial shipping as bargaining leverage while talks are suspended.