American naval forces seized an Iranian-flagged vessel in the Gulf of Oman after the ship ignored warnings and attempted to run a U.S. blockade, President Trump announced Sunday.
The USS Spruance targeted the cargo ship Touska by damaging its engine room, Trump said in a post on Truth Social. According to Trump, the Iranian crew refused to heed repeated calls to halt before the Navy took action.
The seizure comes as U.S. and Iranian officials prepare for talks in Pakistan ahead of a ceasefire deadline. Trump did not provide additional details about the circumstances of the boarding or the condition of the captured vessel.
The incident represents an escalation in tensions. Trump separately warned Iran that refusal to accept a deal would trigger a devastating response. "The United States is going to knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran. NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!" he wrote.
Author James Rodriguez: "Trump's showmanship on the seizure masks the serious moment: direct military action against Iranian assets while diplomats scramble to cut a ceasefire deal, and the president openly threatening wholesale destruction if talks fail."
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