US intercepts and seizes Iranian-flagged cargo ship, Trump says

The United States intercepted an Iranian cargo ship, the Touska, in the Gulf as part of its ongoing naval restrictions, President Donald Trump declared. The vessel, which is nearly 900 feet long, was captured by the Navy after disregarding a command to halt. Iran has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident. This action follows the White House’s confirmation that Vice President JD Vance will lead a new team for continued negotiations to end hostilities with Iran in Pakistan. Tehran has not yet confirmed its involvement in the talks. Iranian state media indicated that officials would withdraw from participation while the US enforcement persists.

“Today, an Iranian-flagged cargo ship named TOUSKA attempted to bypass our naval restrictions, but it didn’t succeed,” Trump wrote. “Our Navy ship intercepted it, disabling the engine with a direct hit.”

The Touska is subject to US Treasury sanctions due to its past involvement in unauthorized actions. The US now holds full control of the vessel, examining its cargo. US Central Command shared video footage depicting a naval vessel engaging the ship, with a gun visible in action. Trump reiterated that the blockade of Iranian ports would continue until a mutual agreement is reached. The conflict began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, escalating over five weeks into Middle Eastern attacks, followed by a two-week pause.

Trump announced the naval measures after initial talks failed to produce results. Disputes over Iran’s nuclear program and dominance of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil route, remain unresolved. The ceasefire, set to expire on Wednesday, is being mediated by Pakistan, where Trump’s representatives will arrive on Monday. A White House official confirmed that the delegation will include advisors Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, alongside Vance.

Iran’s state news agency, IRNA, contested claims of renewed talks, calling them “not true.” It criticized the US blockade and “excessive” demands as obstacles to progress. Meanwhile, preparations for further discussions have commenced in Islamabad. Hotel guests at the venue where the US and Iranian delegations met were instructed to vacate, according to the BBC’s Pakistan correspondent.

The Strait of Hormuz remained closed on Sunday, a day after Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) halted a temporary reopening. Iran stated the closure would continue until the US lifts its naval restrictions. Approximately 20% of global oil and LNG typically passes through the strait, but traffic has dropped significantly due to the conflict. Trump asserted Iran cannot “blackmail” the US with threats over the waterway, vowing to destroy infrastructure if a deal is not reached.

“If they don’t take the DEAL, it will be my Honour to do what has to be done,” Trump stated in a Sunday post. “They violated the ceasefire by attacking ships in the strait, including a French vessel and a UK freighter.”

French shipping company CMA CGM confirmed its ship was targeted with warning shots, while UK ministries reported no attacks on their linked vessels. Two incidents involving a tanker and cargo ship were noted in the strait on Saturday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Office.