Iranian Cargo Ship Hit and Seized by US Navy; Experts Suggest Towing to Oman

Central News Agency Washington, April 19 (Comprehensive Foreign News) The US Navy's Central Command issued a statement stating that a US Navy destroyer intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Arabian Sea today. After repeated warnings were ineffective during a six-hour standoff, the US ship fired on the cargo ship's engine room, rendering it immobile. Subsequently, Marines boarded the vessel by helicopter and seized it. The New York Times reported that this is the first time a ship has been reported to have attempted to break the blockade since the US implemented a blockade on ships entering and leaving Iranian ports last week. U.S. Central Command stated that naval vessels had previously intercepted 25 ships off the coast of the Strait of Hormuz, all of which turned away after receiving warnings. According to the Central Command, the Iranian cargo ship named 'Touska' ignored multiple radio warnings from the US stating 'stop or be fired upon.' The missile destroyer USS Spruance, responsible for the blockade mission, ordered the Touska's crew to evacuate the engine room and then opened fire on the cargo ship sailing towards Bandar Abbas, Iran. A US military official revealed that a boarding team from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit had searched the cargo ship and its cargo, and both are currently under US control. The Central Command statement emphasized: 'The US military took cautious, professional, and moderate actions to ensure compliance with the (blockade order).' A US military official, who requested anonymity, stated that once the search is completed, the US will decide how to dispose of the cargo ship. Independent experts said today that one option is to tow the cargo ship to Oman. US military officials mentioned that the Touska is one of several 'key vessels' closely monitored by US intelligence analysts recently. US Central Command Commander Brad Cooper told reporters on the 17th: 'We are closely watching every target.' Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine stated on the 16th that US military commanders around the globe, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, will 'actively track any vessel flying the Iranian flag or attempting to provide substantial support to Iran.' (Compiled by: Liu Shuqin) 04/20/2026. Standing with the facts, your sponsorship is the power to protect press freedom. Download the Central News Agency 'Firsthand News' APP to get the latest information. The text, images, and audio on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or transmitted and used without authorization. Keywords: