US Seizes Iranian Vessel in Hormuz; Nikki Haley Alleges China-Linked Missile Supply Chain

21/04/2026

WASHINGTON, Apr 21: Tensions in the Gulf escalated after the United States seized an Iranian-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, with former UN ambassador Nikki Haley claiming the ship was part of a China–Iran supply chain linked to missile-related chemicals.

Posting on X without providing evidence, Haley said the vessel was en route from China to Iran, calling it a sign of Beijing’s backing of Tehran. Meanwhile, Reuters, citing maritime security sources, reported the seized ship—identified as the Touska and owned by the sanctioned Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines—likely carried “dual-use” goods that could have military applications. According to the United States Central Command, the vessel was intercepted after failing to comply with repeated warnings for over six hours and was deemed to violate a US-imposed blockade.