Dramatic Footage Shows US Navy Firing on, Boarding Iranian-Flagged Ship MV Touska
US President Donald Trump said a Navy destroyer intercepted the vessel, identified as the Touska, in the Gulf of Oman after it ignored repeated warnings. According to Trump, US forces disabled the ship by firing on its engine room before Marines boarded and took control.
The United States has seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship that attempted to breach its naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz, in a move that sharply escalates tensions just days before a fragile ceasefire is set to expire.
US President Donald Trump said a Navy destroyer intercepted the vessel, identified as the Touska, in the Gulf of Oman after it ignored repeated warnings. According to Trump, US forces disabled the ship by firing on its engine room before Marines boarded and took control.
US Central Command later released footage showing warnings issued to the ship before shots were fired. Officials said the vessel had been instructed for hours to halt and evacuate critical areas before the strike was carried out.
Iran condemned the seizure, calling it a violation of the ceasefire and describing it as “maritime piracy.” Iranian military officials warned of a swift response, while state media signaled that planned talks with Washington may no longer take place.
The incident further complicates already uncertain diplomatic efforts. Trump had said US negotiators were expected to travel to Pakistan for another round of talks with Iran, but Tehran has not confirmed participation and appears increasingly skeptical of US intentions.
The confrontation comes amid broader instability in the region. The US-led blockade of Iranian ports has disrupted maritime traffic, while Iran has threatened restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route. According to international monitors, dozens of security incidents involving commercial vessels have been recorded in the area in recent weeks.
Trump also accused Iran of firing on foreign vessels, including French and British ships, claims that add to the risk of wider international involvement.
With both sides trading threats and military actions continuing at sea, the seizure of the Touska raises the likelihood that the conflict could reignite if diplomatic efforts fail in the coming days.