US Navy Intercepts Iranian Cargo Ship in Strait of Hormuz
The United States Navy intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel on Saturday in the Strait of Hormuz after the ship attempted to bypass a naval blockade. According to CENTCOM, the USS Spruance, a guided missile destroyer, fired several rounds into the vessel's engine room following repeated warnings that were ignored. The US Marines later boarded the ship, placing it under US custody.
Details of the Interception
In a video released by CENTCOM, the US destroyer was seen intercepting the cargo ship named TOUSKA. The crew issued two warnings, stating, "Vacate your engine room. Vacate your engine room. We're prepared to subject you to disabling," before firing at the Iranian ship. CENTCOM explained in a statement that after the TOUSKA's crew failed to comply with warnings over a six-hour period, the Spruance directed the vessel to evacuate its engine room and disabled its propulsion by firing rounds from the destroyer's 5-inch MK 45 gun. US Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit subsequently boarded the non-compliant vessel, which remains in US custody.
President Trump's Statement
US President Donald Trump confirmed the incident in a Truth Social post, stating that the Iranian-flagged cargo ship tried to get past the naval blockade and did not comply with warnings from the USS Spruance in the Gulf of Oman. He wrote, "The Iranian crew refused to listen, so our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engine room. Right now, US Marines have custody of the vessel." Trump further noted that the TOUSKA is under US Treasury sanctions due to its prior history of illegal activity, and the US has full custody while inspecting its contents.
Iran Retaliates with Drone Attacks
In retaliation, Iranian forces launched drones towards US warships in the region. According to Press TV, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that US forces stationed in the Sea of Oman were forced to retreat after firing at an Iranian merchant vessel. Citing Mehr News Agency, Press TV reported that US forces targeted an Iranian merchant ship in an attempt to compel it to return to Iranian territorial waters.
Background and Escalating Tensions
This incident occurs as the United States announced a naval blockade on Iran after failing to achieve military objectives in what it described as a joint campaign with Israel that began in late February. Iran had briefly eased restrictions on non-hostile commercial shipping on Friday in efforts to de-escalate tensions. However, the IRGC Navy stated on Saturday that Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz due to the US allegedly continuing its blockade on Iranian ports, violating a ceasefire announced by President Trump on April 8. The IRGC said, "Due to the violation of the ceasefire conditions, and as the American adversary has not lifted the naval blockade on Iranian vessels and ports, the Strait of Hormuz has been closed as of this evening until this blockade is removed."
The interception and subsequent drone attacks highlight the ongoing geopolitical strife in the region, with both nations taking assertive actions that risk further escalation. The situation remains fluid as international observers monitor developments closely.
