US Forces Seize Iranian-Linked Vessel After Opening Fire Near Gulf of Oman

By ifeoma Onyekachi

United States forces have intercepted and seized a large Iranian-linked cargo vessel after opening fire during a confrontation near the Gulf of Oman, in a significant escalation of tensions between Washington and Tehran.

According to Donald Trump, the 900-foot ship, identified as the Touska, attempted to breach a US-imposed maritime blockade but ignored repeated warnings to halt. He said the US Navy disabled the vessel by targeting its engine room before taking full control.

Footage released by United States Central Command shows the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance firing on the tanker during the operation. US Marines subsequently boarded the vessel and assumed custody.

Iranian officials said the ship had been en route from China to the southern port of Bandar Abbas. In a strongly worded response, a military spokesman condemned the incident as “armed piracy” and warned of imminent retaliation.

“We warn that the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will respond to this act,” the spokesman said.

Trump defended the action, stating that the crew’s refusal to comply with orders necessitated force. “Our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks,” he said, adding that the vessel is now under US control.

The incident marks the first known use of force by US naval forces against a commercial vessel since the blockade began. American officials say more than 20 Iranian-linked ships have been turned back in recent days without prior engagement.

The maritime blockade, now entering its seventh day, targets vessels suspected of trading with Iran amid heightened geopolitical tensions. The standoff comes as a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran approaches its expiry, with negotiations stalled.

Tehran has ruled out further talks, citing the blockade, what it describes as aggressive US rhetoric, and shifting demands from Washington. Iranian officials have also warned that continued restrictions on its oil exports could trigger broader regional consequences.