The United States has taken control of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship following a confrontation in the Arabian Sea, drawing a sharp reaction from Tehran and intensifying already strained relations ahead of a ceasefire deadline.
According to the United States Central Command, the vessel, identified as M/V Touska, attempted to cross a naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports.
U.S. forces patrol the Arabian Sea near M/V Touska, April 20, as the Iranian-flagged vessel’s container cargo is searched after U.S. Marines boarded and seized the ship when it attempted to violate the U.S. naval blockade. pic.twitter.com/Czs127lK6p
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 20, 2026
American forces said repeated warnings were issued over several hours before action was taken.
US officials stated that a guided-missile destroyer eventually fired on the ship’s engine section, disabling it without targeting the crew.
As reported by Fox News, Marines later boarded the vessel and secured it.
The incident marks a notable escalation in a dispute centred on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global oil shipments. It is also the first reported use of force since Washington introduced maritime restrictions on Iran earlier this month.
Iran strongly condemned the move. Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters described the seizure as ‘armed piracy’ and warned it would retaliate.
Iranian officials said their forces chose not to resist during the boarding in order to safeguard the crew.
Further details reported by The New York Times identified the US warship as the USS Spruance. The vessel instructed crew members to evacuate the engine room before firing.
A search operation is now underway, with Marines inspecting cargo containers aboard the ship to determine its contents.
The United States had reportedly sanctioned the Touska and monitored it for possible links to Iranian supply networks.
The development comes as a two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran approaches its expiry. Both sides have yet to confirm whether they will extend it.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of tension, given its strategic role in global energy transport and its history as a flashpoint in US-Iran relations.
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