Middle East Tension: Trump announces U.S. Navy action against Iranian-flagged vessel

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that U.S. Marines have seized an Iranian cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman after it was intercepted by the U.S. Navy.

He made the statement on his Truth Social account on Sunday, saying the ship was stopped while trying to pass through a U.S. naval blockade.

According to Trump, the Iranian-flagged vessel, named TOUSKA, tried to ignore warnings from the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Spruance. He claimed the ship was hit in its engine room after it refused to stop.

Trump said U.S. Marines are now in control of the ship and are inspecting its cargo. He also said the vessel was already under U.S. sanctions for alleged illegal activities.

The incident comes at a time of rising tension between the United States and Iran. Trump had earlier warned that Iran’s power plants and bridges could be targeted if upcoming talks fail to produce an agreement.

The situation has worsened after recent failed negotiations and a U.S. naval blockade in the region. Although a temporary ceasefire was reached earlier in April, tensions resumed after talks collapsed.

The Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route, has been heavily affected by the crisis. The disruption has also increased global fuel prices and affected aviation costs, including in Nigeria where jet fuel prices have risen sharply.

New talks between the U.S. and Iran are expected to continue, but military and economic tensions remain high.