The U.S. Navy has intercepted and taken control of an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel in the Gulf, escalating tensions as diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict between the two nations remain stalled.
President Donald Trump announced the seizure on his Truth Social platform, stating that the vessel named TOUSKA attempted to breach the U.S. naval blockade. According to Trump, the ship ignored warnings to stop, prompting naval forces to disable it by firing at its engine room.
"Today, an Iranian-flagged cargo ship named TOUSKA, nearly 900 feet long and weighing almost as much as an aircraft carrier, tried to get past our Naval Blockade, and it did not go well for them," Trump wrote. "We have full custody of the ship, and are seeing what's on board!"
U.S. Central Command released footage showing a naval vessel intercepting what appears to be a cargo ship, with visible gunfire directed toward the target. The TOUSKA was reportedly under U.S. Treasury sanctions due to previous illegal activities.
The incident comes amid fragile diplomatic efforts, with Vice-President JD Vance scheduled to lead another U.S. delegation to Pakistan for potential talks. However, Iranian state media has denied reports of a second round of negotiations, citing the ongoing blockade as a major obstacle.
Meanwhile, the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, disrupting global energy supplies. Approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes through this critical waterway, and the prolonged closure has contributed to soaring global energy prices.
Trump has maintained a hardline stance, threatening further military action if Iran doesn't agree to peace terms. "If they don't take the DEAL, it will be my Honour to do what has to be done," he declared in another social media post.
The situation remains volatile, with multiple reports of ships being fired upon in the region over the weekend, including vessels linked to France and India. Marine traffic data shows minimal movement through the Strait of Hormuz as the standoff continues.