U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has released dramatic visual evidence of the seizure of the Iranian-flagged cargo ship M/V Touska, marking the most significant escalation since the U.S. imposed a naval blockade on Iran last week.
The operation, which took place on Sunday, April 19, in the North Arabian Sea, involved the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance and U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
The Interception: Six Hours of Warnings
According to CENTCOM, the Touska, a container ship nearly the size of an aircraft carrier at 965 feet long, was intercepted while attempting to breach the blockade en route to the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas.
- Non-Compliance: U.S. forces issued repeated warnings over a six-hour period. When the vessel refused to change course, the USS Spruance issued a final radio transmission: “We’re prepared to subject you to disabling fire.”
- The Strike: After ordering the crew to evacuate the engine room, the USS Spruance fired several rounds from its 5-inch MK 45 gun into the Touska’s propulsion system, effectively disabling the ship.
- The Seizure: Footage shows U.S. Marines departing the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) via helicopter and rappelling onto the deck of the Touska to take “full custody” of the vessel.
Trump: “Full Control” of Sanctioned Vessel
President Donald Trump confirmed the seizure on Truth Social, stating that the Touska was already under U.S. Treasury sanctions due to a history of illegal activity.
“The Iranian crew refused to listen, so our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engine room,” Trump posted. “We have full custody of the ship and are seeing what’s on board!”
Status of the Blockade
The naval blockade, which took effect on April 13, 2026, targets all vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports and offshore berthing areas. The U.S. military reports the following results as of today:
- Vessels Intercepted: A total of 27 ships have been ordered to turn back to Iranian ports or diverted from their course.
- Success Rate: CENTCOM claims that zero vessels have successfully breached the blockade line since its implementation.
- Force Presence: More than 10,000 U.S. personnel, supported by a dozen warships and Boeing P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft, are currently enforcing the operation.
Tehran’s Response: “Armed Piracy”
The Iranian government has condemned the seizure as an act of “armed piracy” and a violation of the fragile two-week ceasefire that was supposed to be in place. Iranian state media warned that their armed forces would “soon respond and retaliate.”
In a retaliatory move, Iran has threatened to keep the Strait of Hormuz—a vital artery for 20% of the world’s oil supply—closed until the “illegal” blockade is lifted.
