US President Donald Trump said American forces seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, Touska, after it attempted to breach a US naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Trump, the guided missile destroyer USS Spruance intercepted the vessel in the Gulf of Oman and issued repeated warnings. When the ship failed to comply, US forces disabled it by firing into its engine room before taking it into custody.
Iran swiftly condemned the action as “aggression,” with military officials warning of retaliation. Reports from Iranian state media indicated drone strikes in response, further escalating tensions.
On the diplomatic front, Trump said US negotiators would travel to Pakistan for talks with Iran, raising hopes of extending a ceasefire set to expire soon. However, Iranian officials signaled they would not participate, accusing Washington of unrealistic demands, shifting positions and violating the truce through its naval blockade.
Meanwhile, activity in the Strait of Hormuz showed signs of recovery, with more than 20 vessels transiting the key waterway on Saturday—the highest since early March—according to shipping data.
Iran also warned that efforts to restrict its oil exports would come at a global cost, with Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref saying energy markets can only stabilise if pressure on Iranian exports is lifted.
Oil prices rose in early trading on Sunday as the standoff between Washington and Tehran intensified.
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