US Seizes Iranian-Flagged Ship Attempting to Pass Hormuz Strait Blockade

US President Donald Trump has announced that United States forces have intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, the Touska, near the Strait of Hormuz. The incident occurred when the vessel was warned by a US Navy guided missile destroyer in the Gulf of Oman to stop, but its crew allegedly refused to comply.

According to Trump’s statement, the US Navy subsequently took action and “blowed a hole” in the ship’s engine room, bringing it under control. The US Marines have since taken custody of the vessel and are examining its contents.

The incident has added to the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, which is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Iran had previously announced that the strait would be reopened after a 10-day truce with Israel, but Trump stated that the US blockade “will remain in full force” until Tehran reaches a deal with Washington.

Iran’s Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has warned that ships will not pass through the Strait of Hormuz while the US blockade remains in effect. The situation has led to reports of vessels being fired upon and forced to withdraw, causing a halt in transit attempts.

US President Trump has also announced plans for US negotiators to travel to Islamabad on Monday for possible talks with Iran aimed at ending the conflict. However, Iranian state media reported that Tehran had not agreed to a second round of talks.

Source: Al Jazeera