The U.S. Navy has intercepted and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel, the Touska, in the Gulf of Oman, according to a statement shared by Donald Trump on Truth Social.
Trump said the ship was stopped after it allegedly tried to breach a U.S. naval blockade. He claimed the vessel ignored repeated warnings, prompting U.S. forces to disable it by targeting its engine room before moving in.
U.S. Marines later boarded the nearly 900-foot ship and took control. Trump noted that the vessel had already been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury over alleged involvement in illegal activities.
The incident has put a fragile ceasefire—brokered by Pakistan—at risk. The truce, which followed weeks of conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, is due to expire this Wednesday.
Tehran has condemned the seizure as an “act of armed piracy” and a violation of the ceasefire. A spokesperson for Iran’s military warned that the country’s armed forces would respond to the incident.
The situation is further complicated as a U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance, alongside advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, was expected to arrive in Islamabad for another round of peace talks.
Despite Pakistan’s mediation efforts, Iranian state media has denied that new negotiations are scheduled. Officials in Tehran say they will not engage in talks while the U.S. naval blockade continues, raising concerns about a potential return to full-scale conflict.
Meanwhile, global energy markets are already reacting, with prices rising sharply as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and regional tensions escalate.
