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U.S. Forces Seize Iranian Cargo Ship in Gulf of Oman, Escalating Tensions Over Blockade

U.S. military forces seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, the M/V Touska, in the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday after the vessel attempted to breach a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, according to multiple mainstream reports. The operation marked the first such interception since the blockade began last week. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance intercepted the ship as it headed toward Bandar Abbas, Iran, traveling at 17 knots.

After issuing repeated warnings over nearly six hours, the USS Spruance fired several rounds from its 5-inch gun into the Touska’s engine room, disabling the vessel. Marines from the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli then boarded the ship via helicopter rope descent and took control. CENTCOM released video footage of the interception, showing the warnings and the boarding operation. President Donald Trump confirmed the action on social media, stating the U.S. Navy had “stopped them right in their tracks.”

Iran condemned the seizure as “armed piracy” and a clear violation of the fragile ceasefire agreement in place since April 8. Iranian officials vowed a “befitting response” and stated there are currently no plans for a second round of peace talks with the U.S. in Pakistan. Tehran has also reimposed restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, with reports of Iranian gunboats firing warning shots at commercial tankers, effectively halting much of the traffic through the critical oil chokepoint.

The incident comes amid a broader U.S.-Iran conflict that began with strikes in late February and has involved Israeli actions as well. A two-week ceasefire, brokered with Pakistani mediation, is at risk of expiring soon. Trump has threatened further strikes on Iranian infrastructure if no agreement is reached, while Iran has accused the U.S. of undermining diplomatic efforts.

The seizure has raised concerns about renewed escalation in the region, with potential impacts on global energy markets due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. China expressed concern and called for resumed talks, while the situation remains fluid as both sides assess next steps.

Sources:

Reuters, BBC, Associated Press (AP), CNN, The Guardian, Axios, Al Jazeera, U.S. Central Command official statements.


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