TEHRAN — Iran’s military vowed a swift response after the United States seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, accusing Washington of “armed piracy” and violating a fragile ceasefire.
Iran’s joint military command, Khatam al-Anbiya, said the attack and boarding of the vessel marked a ceasefire violation and warned that Iranian armed forces would retaliate, according to state media reports on Monday. The incident occurred in the Gulf of Oman as the ship attempted to reach an Iranian port amid a U.S. naval blockade.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance intercepted the ship, identified as the Touska, after it ignored repeated warnings over about six hours. Trump stated that the Navy disabled the vessel by firing into its engine room before U.S. Marines boarded and took custody. U.S. Central Command confirmed the operation, describing the ship as sanctioned and in violation of the blockade that began on April 13.
Iranian officials described the action as an act of aggression that undermined the ceasefire, which is due to expire soon. A military spokesperson was quoted by state broadcaster as saying, “We warn that the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon respond and retaliate against this armed piracy by the U.S. military.”
The seizure was the first reported interception since the U.S. imposed the blockade on Iranian ports in response to tensions over maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran had previously reimposed restrictions on the strategic waterway, a critical route for global oil shipments.
The incident comes as the United States announced plans to send a delegation to Islamabad for further talks with Iran. President Trump said on Sunday that U.S. representatives, expected to include Vice President JD Vance, would arrive in the Pakistani capital on Monday evening. Iranian state media indicated Tehran had no plans to participate, citing the ongoing blockade and other issues.
Details about damage to the Touska beyond the engine room, the condition of its crew, or any casualties remained unclear as of Monday. U.S. officials said Marines were examining the vessel’s cargo but released no further information.
Pakistani officials have not commented publicly on the planned talks or the ship seizure. Both Washington and Tehran continued to exchange accusations of ceasefire breaches in public statements.
As of Monday, April 20, 2026, the Touska remained in U.S. custody. No updates were available on the exact timing or nature of any Iranian response, or on whether the ceasefire would be extended.
