The United States Navy has intercepted and taken control of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, Touska, in the Gulf of Oman, according to a statement by Donald Trump on Truth Social.
Trump said the vessel was stopped after allegedly attempting to breach a US-imposed naval blockade. He noted that the ship failed to comply with repeated warnings, prompting US forces to disable it by targeting its engine room before boarding.
According to the President, US Marines subsequently secured the nearly 900-foot vessel, which he said had previously been placed under sanctions by the US Treasury over alleged illegal activities.
The development has raised concerns over the stability of a fragile ceasefire reportedly brokered with the involvement of Pakistan. The truce, which followed weeks of heightened conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, is expected to expire later this week.
Iran has strongly condemned the interception, describing it as an act of “armed piracy” and a violation of the ceasefire agreement. A spokesperson for Iran’s military warned that the country’s armed forces would respond to the incident.
The situation has further complicated diplomatic efforts, particularly as a US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance was reportedly preparing to travel to Islamabad for renewed peace talks. However, Iranian state media has denied that a second round of negotiations is currently scheduled.
Officials in Tehran have also indicated that Iran will not engage in further dialogue while the US naval blockade remains in effect.
Meanwhile, global energy markets have reacted to the rising tensions, with prices climbing amid concerns over the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for international oil shipments.