Iran alleges US ceasefire breach after ship seizure, threatens retaliation
Tehran — Iran accused the United States of violating a ceasefire after a U.S. naval vessel fired on and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman, escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict and raising the risk of further retaliation.
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya central military command said the vessel was en route from China when it came under attack, warning that Iranian forces would respond. A spokesperson described the incident as “armed piracy” and said retaliation would follow.U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier that a U.S.
Navy destroyer intercepted the ship, identified as the MV Touska, after it failed to comply with repeated warnings while attempting to breach a U.S.-imposed maritime blockade on Iranian ports.Trump said the vessel was disabled after the USS Spruance fired on its engine room and that U.S. Marines had taken control of the ship.
He added that the Touska was subject to U.S. Treasury sanctions due to a history of alleged illegal activity.The U.S. Central Command said the destroyer issued warnings over a six-hour period before using force to stop the vessel, marking the first such interception since the blockade began last week.
It added that U.S. forces have turned back at least 25 commercial vessels attempting to navigate the restricted waters.The confrontation comes amid heightened instability in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments, which has remained largely closed since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran seven weeks ago.
Iran briefly reopened the strait on Friday following a ceasefire in Lebanon but shut it again within 24 hours, citing continued U.S. naval restrictions. The uncertainty has disrupted maritime traffic, with vessel tracking data showing tankers reversing course in recent days.Energy analysts warned that the renewed tensions could drive volatility in oil markets after a brief easing late last week.
Amrita Sen, founder of Energy Aspects, said developments over the weekend underscored the fragility of the situation and the risk of further escalation.
The incident adds pressure on diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region, with markets and governments closely monitoring the standoff for signs of either de-escalation or further conflict.
