US Seized Iranian Cargo Ship Near Hormuz After Engine Room Hit, Trump Says
Trump claims US disabled Iranian ship before seizing it near Hormuz.
Donald Trump has claimed that the United States Navy seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel and “blew a hole” in its engine room after it allegedly attempted to breach a US-imposed naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Trump, the vessel — identified in multiple reports as the Touska — ignored repeated warnings from US forces before being disabled. He said the Navy acted decisively to stop the ship, stating that it was brought to a halt by firing into its engine room, after which US Marines boarded and took control of it.
US officials indicated that the interception took place in the Gulf of Oman, part of a broader military operation enforcing a blockade on Iranian shipping routes. The blockade, initiated earlier in April, aims to restrict vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Also Read: Iran May Permit Ships Safe Transit Via Oman Waters In Hormuz Talks
The incident marks a significant escalation, as it is the first reported use of direct force against a vessel since the blockade began. Reports suggest that the US Navy destroyer issued warnings over several hours before opening fire to disable the ship’s propulsion system, allowing forces to seize it without prolonged confrontation.
Iran has strongly condemned the action, calling it an act of “armed piracy” and a violation of the existing ceasefire understanding. Iranian authorities have also warned of retaliation, further raising concerns about instability in the region and the risk of broader military confrontation.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes. Any disruption in the area has immediate implications for global energy markets and international shipping, and the latest confrontation has already added to uncertainty surrounding ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two countries.
Also Read: Disagreements On Lebanon Conflict And Strait Of Hormuz Undermine Iran War Truce
