BackWORLD
Video: US Navy Boards Iran-Flagged Ship In 1st Seizure Amid Hormuz Blockade
The U.S. Navy intercepted and seized the Iranian-flagged merchant vessel Touska in the Gulf of Oman, marking the first seizure in the blockade near the Strait of Hormuz. After six hours of warnings, USS Spruance disabled the ship's propulsion and U.S. Marines boarded to take custody. Iran condemned the action as piracy, pledged retaliation, and peace talks and Hormuz traffic remained tense.
Why It Matters
The seizure signals a sharp escalation between the U.S. and Iran with potential implications for global shipping through Hormuz and for ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
Timeline
8 Events
Iran denies concessions reportedly sought by US negotiations
April 20, 2026
Iran denied conceding to several points described by the US as part of the negotiation plan, including the end of its nuclear program and handing over stockpiles of enriched uranium to the US.
Two-week US-Iran ceasefire end date noted
April 20, 2026
The two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran is set to end on April 22, according to the article.
Hormuz transit remains disputed and shipping route reportedly closed
April 20, 2026
The critical shipping route remained closed on Monday after confusion over the weekend about whether tankers could transit the Strait of Hormuz; Tehran had initially said ships could pass through Hormuz before abruptly halting almost all traffic.
Iran condemns attack; vows retaliation; peace talks in Islamabad
April 20, 2026
Iran denounced the attack as a violation of the ceasefire and said it would retaliate. Tehran also refused to participate in a second round of peace talks with the US scheduled to be held in Islamabad.
Trump posts on Truth Social about Touska and blockade
April 20, 2026
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social describing the Touska as under US Treasury sanctions, noting the ship’s size and that the United States has full custody and is inspecting what is on board.
Touska remains in US custody after boarding
April 19, 2026
CENTCOM stated that the vessel remained in US custody following the boarding operation.
US Marines aboard USS Tripoli board Touska
April 19, 2026
US Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, transported by helicopter from the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, rappelled onto the Iranian-flagged vessel to seize it after propulsion had been disabled.
US destroyer Spruance intercepts and disables Touska after six hours of warnings
April 19, 2026
Guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance intercepted the Iranian-flagged cargo ship M/V Touska as it transited the north Arabian Sea toward Bandar Abbas. After issuing warnings for six hours, Spruance directed the vessel to evacuate its engine room and disabled its propulsion by firing rounds from its 5-inch MK 45 gun into Touska's engine room.