19/04/2026
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19/04/2026
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File: President Donald Trump speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
WASHINGTON, Apr 19: Donald Trump said U.S. forces seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman after it allegedly attempted to bypass a U.S. naval blockade.
In a social media post, Trump said a U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer warned the vessel, identified as Touska, to stop, but it failed to comply. He claimed the ship was disabled after U.S. forces “blew a hole in the engine room,” bringing it to a halt.
Trump added that U.S. Marines have taken control of the vessel and are inspecting its cargo.
The reported seizure marks a further escalation in tensions between the United States and Iran over maritime activity in the region, particularly around key shipping routes.
The incident comes as Washington prepares for a second round of in-person talks with Tehran, with a fragile ceasefire set to expire in the coming days.
