WASHINGTON, Apr 20: The United States attacked and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel that it said attempted to evade a naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, prompting Iran’s joint military command to vow a response and raising concerns over a fragile ceasefire days before its expiry.
It was the first such interception since the US imposed a blockade on Iranian ports last week. Iran’s military command described the armed boarding as an act of piracy and a violation of the ceasefire, according to state media.
With tensions escalating and the ceasefire set to expire by Wednesday, uncertainty looms over previously announced talks between the two sides. US President Donald Trump had earlier said American negotiators would travel to Pakistan for discussions.
The developments pushed oil prices higher, heightening fears of a deepening global energy crisis.
Trump said on social media that a US Navy guided-missile destroyer in the Gulf of Oman issued warnings to the Iranian vessel, identified as Touska, before disabling it by firing into its engine room. He added that US Marines had taken custody of the vessel and were inspecting its contents.
It remains unclear whether there were any casualties. The US Central Command said the ship had ignored repeated warnings issued over several hours. (Agencies)
