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US Seizes Iranian Ship After Breaching Hormuz Blockade

The United States has seized the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska in the Gulf of Oman after it attempted to breach an American naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz. The USS Spruance intercepted the vessel and, when the crew refused to comply, disabled it by blowing a hole in its engine room. US Marines subsequently took custody of the vessel and its contents. The incident occurs amid heightened tensions and ongoing negotiations, with the Strait of Hormuz blockade emerging as a major sticking point.

Apr 19th 2026 · United States

The United States has seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman after it attempted to breach the American naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz, President Donald Trump announced on Sunday. The US Navy guided missile destroyer USS Spruance intercepted the vessel, identified as the Touska, and gave its crew fair warning to stop. When the Iranian crew refused to comply, the navy disabled the ship by blowing a hole in its engine room, and US Marines subsequently took custody of the vessel and its contents. The Touska, described by Trump as nearly 900 feet long and weighing almost as much as an aircraft carrier, was sailing under Iranian flag. According to Trump, the ship is under US Treasury sanctions due to its prior history of illegal activity. MarineTraffic.com confirms the vessel was positioned in the Arabian Gulf prior to the interception. There was no immediate comment from Iranian authorities regarding the seizure. The incident occurs amid heightened tensions and ongoing negotiations between the two countries, with just days remaining before the current ceasefire expires. The naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a major sticking point in the talks, with Iran recently reversing its decision to reopen the strategic chokepoint, stating it would remain shut until the United States lifts the blockade. Trump indicated that US negotiators were scheduled to visit Pakistan on Monday, though Iran had not confirmed its participation in the scheduled discussions.

Sources