Panama denounces Iran for seizing ship flying its flag

Panama condemns the “illegal seizure” of a vessel traveling under its flag through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Central American nation’s foreign ministry writes in a statement that the boat, owned by the Italian company MSC Francesca, was “forcibly taken” into Iranian waters on Wednesday, and it accuses Iran of violating international law.

The seizure “represents a serious attack on maritime security and constitutes an unnecessary escalation,” it writes.

Panama has one of the largest ship registries, with around 16% of the world’s ships flying under the country’s flag, according to 2024 data from Panamanian authorities.