US naval forces attacked the Iranian-flagged container ship Touska near the Strait of Hormuz before seizing it, in a sharp escalation in one of the world’s most critical waterways.
The US warship disabled the vessel by striking its engine room after issuing warnings, before US soldiers boarded and took control.
Washington claimed the ship had ignored orders and was violating its naval blockade and sanctions, framing the action as enforcement.
Iran rejected that claim, calling the seizure unlawful and a breach of a ceasefire, and warned it would respond.
Tehran also signalled it may withdraw from planned negotiations, with the incident further straining already fragile talks and increasing the risk of wider confrontation.
US naval forces attacked the Iranian-flagged container ship Touska near the Strait of Hormuz before seizing it, in a sharp escalation in one of the world’s most critical waterways.
The US warship disabled the vessel by striking its engine room after issuing warnings, before US… pic.twitter.com/ZyCCJz4UXo
— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) April 20, 2026