The United States has taken control of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz by causing damage to the vessel, as stated by former President Donald Trump. Trump disclosed on the Truth Social platform that the ship, known as the Touska, attempted to breach the Naval Blockade on Sunday, leading to an unsuccessful outcome for its crew. He mentioned that US Marines intercepted the vessel in the Gulf of Oman and assumed full possession, marking the first such incident since the blockade of Iranian ports commenced a week ago.
Trump explained that the Iranian crew disregarded commands, prompting the US Navy to halt their progress by creating a breach in the engine room of the ship. The vessel TOUSKA is subject to US Treasury Sanctions due to its past involvement in illegal activities. Trump confirmed that the ship is under US control, and an inspection of its contents is underway. Iran has not issued an immediate response to the incident.
Iran perceives the US blockade of maritime traffic to and from its ports as a violation of the agreed two-week ceasefire. Earlier on the same day, the Iranian state news agency IRNA reported that Tehran had turned down a subsequent round of peace discussions with the US.
Just before this development, Trump announced that US negotiators would engage in talks in Islamabad and threatened to target Iran’s power plants and bridges if no agreement was reached, reiterating previous warnings of targeting civilian infrastructure, a move cautioned against by experts as it could constitute a war crime.
According to IRNA, Tehran’s decision to decline participation in the talks was influenced by Washington’s excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, inconsistent positions, contradictions, and the ongoing naval blockade. This decision cast doubt on the likelihood of the US negotiators traveling to Pakistan for the talks aimed at extending the fragile ceasefire set to end on Wednesday.
Although Iran’s lead negotiator, parliament speaker Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf, affirmed a commitment to diplomatic efforts, he acknowledged significant disparities between the negotiating parties. While Pakistan did not confirm the follow-up negotiations, security measures in Islamabad were heightened in anticipation of any potential talks.
The White House disclosed that Vice President JD Vance, who spearheaded the initial 21-hour face-to-face negotiations last weekend, would lead the US delegation to Pakistan, accompanied by special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Iran announced the receipt of new proposals from the US on Saturday. It remains uncertain whether there have been any shifts in positions on key issues that derailed previous negotiations, such as Iran’s nuclear enrichment program, influence over regional proxies, and control of the Strait of Hormuz.