Panama accuses Iran of violating law after ship “forcibly taken”

Panama has condemned what it described as the “illegal seizure” of a vessel sailing under its flag while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Iran of violating international law.

In a statement, cited by Israeli media, the Central American nation’s foreign ministry said the ship, owned by the Italian company MSC Francesca, was “forcibly taken” into Iranian waters on Wednesday, April 22. The ministry framed the incident as a breach of established maritime norms and raised concerns over the safety of international shipping routes.

The seizure “represents a serious attack on maritime security and constitutes an unnecessary escalation,” the statement reads.

Panama, which operates one of the world’s largest ship registries, noted the broader implications of the incident. According to 2024 data from Panamanian authorities, around 16% of the global merchant fleet sails under the Panamanian flag, underscoring the country’s significant role in international maritime trade.

By Tamilla Hasanova