Trump Claims U.S. Marines Capture Iranian Vessel Attempting to Breach Naval Blockade
U.S. Marines have taken control of an Iranian cargo ship, the TOUSKA, which was allegedly trying to navigate through the American naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, President Trump stated.
In a post on Truth Social Sunday evening, Trump detailed the incident, asserting that the nearly 900-foot-long vessel attempted to breach the blockade. “It did not go well for them,” he remarked.
According to Trump, the crew of the TOUSKA “refused to listen,” prompting U.S. Navy forces to intervene by damaging the ship’s engine room. “Our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engineroom,” he explained.
Currently, U.S. Marines are holding the vessel, which is reportedly under U.S. Treasury sanctions due to its history of illegal activities. “We have full custody of the ship and are seeing what’s on board!” Trump added.
The blockade was initiated on April 13, following unsuccessful peace talks between American and Iranian officials in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Trump emphasized the necessity of the blockade, stating, “We can’t let a country blackmail or extort the world.” He issued a stern warning that any Iranian vessels approaching the blockade would face severe consequences.
“If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED,” he declared on Truth Social, likening the response to tactics used against drug traffickers at sea. “It is quick and brutal.”
In response, Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, condemned Trump’s threats regarding the blockade. He criticized the U.S. for violating international law and insisted that such actions undermine diplomatic efforts.
Moghadam stated, “You cannot keep violating international law, double down on your blockade, threaten Iran with further war crimes, insist on unreasonable demands... and pretend to be pursuing ‘Diplomacy.’”
Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that if the U.S. blockade persists, Iran would close the Strait of Hormuz. “If the blockade continues, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open,” he asserted.
He further indicated that navigation through the Strait would require “authorization from Iran” and would follow a “designated route.”
On Thursday, U.S. General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs, clarified that the blockade applies to all vessels, regardless of nationality, traveling to or from Iranian ports.
The Trump administration also announced plans to expand naval operations against Iran by targeting ships carrying Iranian oil exports. The Pentagon indicated it would board these vessels anywhere in the world.
