The United States has captured an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz following an incident where the vessel was damaged, as stated by former President Donald Trump. Trump revealed on the Truth Social platform that the ship, identified as the Touska, attempted to breach the Naval Blockade but faced consequences on Sunday. US Marines successfully intervened and assumed control of the ship in the Gulf of Oman, marking the first such seizure since the US initiated the blockade of Iranian ports the previous week.
Trump further explained that the Iranian crew disregarded warnings, leading to the US Navy disabling the ship by causing damage to its engine room. The vessel, TOUSKA, had been subjected to US Treasury Sanctions due to past unlawful activities. The US now has possession of the ship and is inspecting its contents. There has been no immediate response from Iran regarding the incident.
Iran perceives the US blockade on maritime traffic entering and exiting its ports as a violation of the agreed two-week ceasefire. Earlier the same day, the Iranian state news agency IRNA reported that Tehran declined a second set of peace negotiations with the US.
Just prior to this development, Trump announced that US representatives would engage in discussions in Islamabad on Monday evening, warning of potential consequences for Iran if an agreement was not reached. Tehran’s absence from the negotiations was attributed to various reasons outlined by IRNA, including Washington’s demands, shifting stances, and the ongoing naval blockade.
Despite Iran’s commitment to diplomatic efforts, significant differences persisted between the two parties. The White House confirmed that Vice-President JD Vance, alongside special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, would lead the US delegation to Pakistan for further talks.
Iran disclosed receiving new proposals from the US, though it remains uncertain whether any shifts in positions have occurred on critical issues such as Iran’s nuclear program, regional influence, and control over the Strait of Hormuz.
