Iran’s military has strongly condemned the United States for seizing an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman, labelling the action “armed piracy” and vowing a swift retaliatory response. The incident marks the first forceful interception since the US imposed an illegal naval blockade on Iranian ports by violating international maritime laws.
According to US Central Command and President Donald Trump, the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance intercepted the Iranian cargo vessel MV Touska near the Strait of Hormuz. US forces fired on the vessel’s engine room to disable it before Marines boarded and took full custody. No injuries were reported.
President Trump posted on Truth Social: “Today, an Iranian-flagged cargo ship named TOUSKA tried to get past our Naval Blockade, and it did not go well for them. We stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engineroom. We have full custody of their ship, and are seeing what’s on board!”
Iran’s top military headquarters, Khatam al-Anbiya, issued a sharp statement accusing the US of violating a fragile ceasefire agreement. “The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon respond to and retaliate against this armed piracy by the US military,” a spokesperson declared, according to Iranian state media.
The Touska, reportedly en route from China to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, was traveling in international waters when intercepted. Iran maintains the action constitutes a serious escalation and a breach of international maritime norms.
The seizure comes amid heightened tensions following the US-imposed blockade aimed at restricting Iranian maritime trade. Analysts warn that Iran’s threatened retaliation could target US naval assets or commercial shipping in the region, potentially disrupting the critical Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly one-fifth of global oil passes.
The ceasefire between the US and Iran, already under strain, faces new uncertainty as both sides prepare for possible renewed talks in the coming days. International observers are closely monitoring developments, with concerns growing over potential spikes in global energy prices and further instability in the Middle East.
