Trump says USS Spruance seized Iranian cargo ship
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- Trump posted on Truth Social that the USS Spruance intercepted the Iranian‑flagged cargo ship TOUSKA in the Gulf of Oman, gave it fair warning, and after the crew refused to stop, fired its 5‑inch Mk 45 gun into the engine room, disabling the ship.
- TOUSKA was sailing northward at 17 knots toward Bandar Abbas when it was warned of a U.S. naval blockade and, after six hours of non‑compliance, had its propulsion disabled by the Spruance.
- Centcom confirmed that Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded the disabled vessel, taking “full custody” and inspecting its cargo.
- 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is a rapid‑response force based in Japan with roughly 2,500 Marines and sailors, recently deployed to the Middle East.
- U.S. blockade has already forced 25 commercial ships to turn around or return to Iranian ports, and Iran’s foreign minister said the strait remained open for the ceasefire period, while the Revolutionary Guard later announced stricter control.
Why it matters: The seizure demonstrates a step up in U.S. enforcement of its naval blockade, giving the U.S. tangible leverage over Iranian shipping while further restricting Iran’s ability to move cargo through the Hormuz chokepoint, thereby raising stakes in ongoing ceasefire talks.
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