Iran has strongly condemned the seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz by the United States, calling it an act of “armed piracy” and vowing retaliation.
Iran’s top military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said the country will respond to what it described as a “violation of the ceasefire” and an attack on its commercial vessel.
In a statement carried by Iranian state media, officials claimed that the ship was targeted in the waters of the Gulf of Oman, where U.S. forces allegedly disabled its navigation systems and boarded the vessel using Marines.
“Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon respond and retaliate for this act of armed piracy by the U.S. Navy,” the statement said.
On the other side, the United States claims the vessel was attempting to bypass sanctions and port restrictions. U.S. officials said it was given warnings before being stopped, and that its engine room was damaged to prevent movement.
Donald Trump stated that the ship is now in U.S. custody after refusing orders to stop.
The incident comes amid renewed diplomatic tension, as Washington reportedly prepares for possible talks with Iran in Islamabad. However, Iranian sources say negotiations will not proceed unless U.S. restrictions are lifted.
Meanwhile, in Lebanon, a fragile 10-day ceasefire with Israel continues, with civilians returning to heavily damaged areas in the south.
The situation across the region remains highly unstable, with energy markets and maritime security once again at the center of global concern.
