By Paul Joseph
U.S. President Donald J. Trump has claimed that American naval forces intercepted and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship following a confrontation in the Gulf of Oman.
In a statement posted on his social media platform, Trump said the vessel, identified as TOUSKA, attempted to breach what he described as a U.S. naval blockade in the region. He alleged that the ship, measuring nearly 900 feet in length, ignored repeated warnings from American forces.
According to Trump, the USS Spruance (DDG-111), a guided missile destroyer operated by the United States Navy, intercepted the vessel and ordered it to halt. When the crew reportedly failed to comply, he said the warship disabled the cargo ship by targeting its engine room.
Trump further claimed that U.S. Marines subsequently boarded the vessel and have taken full custody, adding that the ship is under sanctions imposed by the United States Department of the Treasury over alleged prior illegal activities.
“As of now, we have full custody of the ship and are inspecting its contents,” Trump said, describing the operation as decisive enforcement of U.S. policy in the region.
However, there has been no immediate independent confirmation of the incident from the Pentagon or other U.S. government agencies. Iranian authorities have also not officially responded to the claim.
The Gulf of Oman, a critical maritime corridor linking the Arabian Sea to the Strait of Hormuz, has remained a focal point of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with previous incidents involving commercial shipping and naval forces raising concerns about regional security.
Analysts warn that if confirmed, such an encounter could further escalate already fragile relations between the United States and Iran, particularly amid ongoing geopolitical strains in the Middle East.
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