U.S. Navy Seizes Iranian Ship in Gulf of Oman After Blockade Bypass Attempt

The U.S. Navy seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman after it attempted to bypass a naval blockade, President Donald Trump announced on Sunday. This marks the first seizure and first instance of a ship being fired upon since the blockade was implemented last Sunday in response to Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz.

The vessel, named the Touska, was disabled and seized by U.S. Marines. The incident occurred as U.S. and Iranian officials prepared for talks in Pakistan ahead of a looming ceasefire deadline.

Escalation in the Gulf of Oman

Oil prices surged on Sunday evening following the latest escalation in tensions between the U.S. and Iran. According to a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that the USS Spruance issued a warning to the Iranian crew before disabling the vessel.

"The USS Spruance gave them fair warning to stop. The Iranian crew refused to listen, so our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engine room."

The U.S. Central Command confirmed that the Spruance fired several rounds from its 5-inch MK 45 Gun into the Touska’s engine room to disable it.

Iran’s Response and Threats

Iran’s military condemned the U.S. action, calling it a violation of the ceasefire agreement and accusing Washington of ‘maritime piracy’. State media reported that Iran vowed to ‘soon respond’ to the incident.

In a separate post on Truth Social earlier Sunday, Trump issued a warning to Iran:

"If Iran doesn't accept a deal, the United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran. NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!"

Broader Implications

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route, has been a flashpoint in the ongoing conflict. The blockade was imposed in response to Iran’s actions since the war began on February 28.

Oil prices have reacted sharply to the latest developments, with analysts warning of further volatility in global energy markets.