Trump Says US Marines Seized Iranian Ship ‘Touska’, Tehran Calls Move ‘Armed Piracy’

Last Updated:April 20, 2026, 06:54 IST

US seizes Iranian ship Touska in Gulf of Oman after alleged blockade breach, Iran vows retaliation, ceasefire and talks at risk, oil market stability threatened

US President Donald Trump said American forces have taken custody of an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel that allegedly attempted to breach a US naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman, escalating tensions during an ongoing ceasefire period.

In a Truth Social post, Trump said the vessel, identified as Touska, ignored warnings issued by the US Navy guided missile destroyer, USS Spruance.

“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.

He added that the USS Spruance “gave them fair warning to stop," but the Iranian crew refused to comply.

“Our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engineroom. Right now, U.S. Marines have custody of the vessel," Trump said, adding that the ship was under US Treasury sanctions “because of their prior history of illegal activity."

“We have full custody of the ship, and are seeing what’s on board!" the President added.

Reuters reported that the US military fired on the Iranian-flagged cargo ship as it sailed toward Iran’s Bandar Abbas port amid enforcement of Washington’s blockade of Iranian shipping routes.

IRAN WARNS OF RETALIATION

Meanwhile, Iran’s military warned it would respond to the seizure, calling the US action “armed piracy."

“We warn that the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon respond and retaliate against this armed piracy and the US military," a spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam Al-Anbiya central command headquarters said, according to ISNA news agency.

Reuters reported that Tehran indicated it may not participate in a second round of negotiations expected before the ceasefire expires, citing the continued blockade and what it described as Washington’s “excessive demands" and shifting positions.

Iran’s First Vice President Mohammadreza Aref also signalled possible consequences for global energy markets.

“One cannot restrict Iran’s oil exports while expecting free security for others. The choice is clear, either a free oil market for all, or the risk of high costs for everyone," Aref said on social media.

CEASEFIRE UNDER STRAIN, TALKS UNCERTAIN

According to Reuters, the latest maritime incident has raised doubts about whether the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran will hold, with both sides remaining far apart on issues including nuclear policy and maritime access in the Strait of Hormuz.

The strategic waterway typically handles about one-fifth of global oil supply, making disruptions highly sensitive for global energy markets.

The ongoing blockade of Iranian shipping has already contributed to volatility in crude prices and investor sentiment.

The report further mentioned that Iran has lifted and reimposed restrictions on marine traffic passing through the strait amid the standoff, complicating diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a longer-term truce.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit corridor for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, where maritime restrictions imposed by both sides have disrupted shipping flows.

Diplomatic efforts mediated by Pakistan remain uncertain, with preparations underway for potential talks even as Tehran signals reluctance to participate amid ongoing military pressure.

News world Trump Says US Marines Seized Iranian Ship ‘Touska’, Tehran Calls Move ‘Armed Piracy’

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