The U.S. Navy disabled and captured an Iranian-flagged cargo ship named TOUSKA in the Gulf of Oman on Sunday, as confirmed by a Pentagon statement.
After attempts to proceed without adherence to the blockade warnings, the USS Spruance fired on the vessel, targeting its engine room to disable propulsion.
Following the disabling, U.S. Marines boarded and secured the ship, which is now undergoing inspection.
The TOUSKA, a significant Iranian cargo vessel measuring nearly 900 feet and comparable in weight to an aircraft carrier, was previously sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury for illegal activities.
According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), over 20 vessels have been directed to turn back since the start of the naval blockade, making this incident a noteworthy enforcement of compliance. No injuries among the crew have been reported, and there has been no comment from the Iranian government.
President Donald Trump remarked on Truth Social, noting that the vessel attempted to breach the naval blockade but faced consequences instead. He affirmed that the TOUSKA is under U.S. Treasury sanctions, emphasizing control over the situation.
This seizure aligns with ongoing U.S. efforts to restrict maritime activities linked to Iran, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for global oil and gas trade. Although Iran briefly lifted restrictions, it has tightened its control again following U.S. enforcement operations.
