WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday after firing on the vessel to disable it, President Donald Trump said.
The guided missile destroyer USS Spruance intercepted the ship, identified as the Touska, which authorities said attempted to bypass a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, Trump announced on social media.
Trump stated that the Navy issued a warning to the vessel to stop. When the crew did not comply, U.S. forces fired on the engine room, disabling the ship. U.S. Marines then boarded and took custody of the vessel, he added. No casualties were immediately reported in the incident.
The seizure marked the first interception since the U.S. imposed the naval blockade last week, officials said. It occurred amid heightened tensions in the region following Iran's actions regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments.
Iranian state media and officials described the U.S. action as an act of piracy and vowed a response. Iran's military had earlier reasserted control over the strait and warned that it would remain closed until the U.S. lifted its blockade, according to reports citing Iranian sources.
The incident took place against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran that was set to expire soon, with both sides accusing the other of violations in recent days. U.S. officials were preparing for peace talks in Pakistan, though Iran indicated it would not attend following the seizure, multiple news outlets reported.
A U.S. Central Command spokesperson confirmed the operation involved disabling fire and a boarding by Marines but provided no further details on the ship's cargo or the exact location beyond the Gulf of Oman area.
"Details remain unclear" on the contents of the Touska or any prior warnings beyond those described by the president, officials said.
The U.S. Navy has not released video or additional statements beyond Trump's post as of Monday. Iranian authorities have not confirmed the ship's status or provided their account of events.
As of Monday, the seized vessel remained in U.S. custody, with investigations ongoing into its cargo and intentions, according to U.S. statements. No updates were available on the condition of the Iranian crew.
The development has drawn international attention as shipping companies monitor the volatile situation in one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints.
