Tensions in the Gulf of Oman escalated sharply after Iran reportedly launched drone attacks targeting multiple US vessels in response to the seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship.
According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, the strikes followed an operation in which US forces fired upon and boarded the container vessel TOUSKA. The report did not clarify whether the targeted American ships were military or commercial.
Tehran had earlier condemned the interception, warning of imminent retaliation and accusing Washington of breaching a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire that had been in place since April 7. Iranian officials described the incident as a direct violation of the agreement.
Fars News Agency cited Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which stated that US forces disabled the vessel’s navigation systems before boarding it. The ship, which departed Malaysia’s Port Klang on April 12, was reportedly en route to Bandar Abbas in Iran.
Iranian military spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari said US troops opened fire before seizing control of the vessel, characterizing the action as an act of “maritime piracy.” He warned that Iran’s armed forces would respond decisively.
The United States confirmed the operation, with President Donald Trump first announcing the interception. US Central Command later stated that the USS Spruance stopped the vessel after it attempted to breach a naval blockade in the region. According to CENTCOM, US Marines remain in control of the ship.
Video footage released by US authorities showed the warship issuing warnings to the cargo vessel prior to opening fire.
The incident marks a significant escalation in already fragile regional tensions, raising concerns over the stability of the ceasefire and the risk of further confrontation.
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