Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated sharply in the Arabian Sea, resulting in the collapse of the ceasefire. US Central Command (CENTCOM) has seized an Iranian cargo ship following a series of warnings and a kinetic strike. In response, Iran has claimed to have launched retaliatory drone attacks against US military vessels. The US Department of Defense has released video footage documenting the seizure of the Iranian vessel.
Interception by USS Spruance and 6-Hour Warning
The US Department of Defense shared video of the Iranian cargo ship on X (formerly Twitter), stating that US forces deployed in the Arabian Sea established a naval blockade against an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel on April 19. The ship was attempting to reach an Iranian port. The US guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) intercepted the vessel, identified as M/V Touska, in the North Arabian Sea while it was traveling at 17 knots toward Bandar Abbas, Iran. US forces issued multiple warnings, informing the vessel that it was in violation of the American blockade.
Disabling the Propulsion System
According to US claims, the crew of the M/V Touska ignored repeated warnings for a continuous period of six hours. Following this defiance, the USS Spruance ordered the ship to evacuate its engine room. The destroyer then utilized its 5-inch MK 45 gun to fire multiple rounds, targeting the Touska's engine room. This action successfully disabled the ship's propulsion system, rendering it stationary.
Boarding by US Marines and Current Status
Following the disabling of the vessel, US Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted a boarding operation on the non-compliant ship. The vessel remains in US custody. US officials stated that the forces acted in a deliberate, professional, and proportionate manner to ensure compliance with the blockade.
Iranian Retaliation and Blockade Statistics
Immediately following the seizure, Iran claimed to have conducted retaliatory drone strikes against US military ships. This exchange has Importantly heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The firing on the cargo ship as it crossed from an Iranian port through Hormuz has led to the official breaking of the ceasefire between the two parties.