The US seized an Iranian vessel near the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump announced that a cargo ship flying the Iranian flag was seized near the Strait of Hormuz. 

 

According to official Washington, the ship attempted to breach the naval blockade imposed by the US.

 

Trump stated that the ship named "Touska" was ordered to stop by a US Navy destroyer in the Gulf of Oman, but the crew did not comply. Subsequently, the ship's engine was damaged and it was taken under control by US Marines. The ship's onboard inspection is currently underway.

 

According to US Central Command information, the ship was en route to Iran's Bandar Abbas port and did not heed warnings given over a period of six hours.

 

The Iranian side sharply condemned the incident. The country's supreme military command accused the US of violating a previously achieved peace and called this action "armed maritime piracy." According to a representative of the Khatam al-Anbiya command, Tehran will see response measures in the near future.

 

This incident occurred against the backdrop of heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Nearly one-fifth of the world's oil is transported through this area. 

 

The US has imposed a blockade on ships bound for Iranian ports since April 13th.

 

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf emphasized that there will be no free movement through the strait until the blockade is lifted.

 

Earlier, Iran had announced the reopening of the strait against the backdrop of a 10-day truce related to Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, restrictions continue as the US blockade remains in place.

 

At the same time, US negotiators are expected to hold possible talks with Iran in Islamabad. This had increased the likelihood of extending the short-term truce. However, Iranian state media reports that Tehran has not yet agreed to the next stage of negotiations.