Iran’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations strongly condemned the US seizure of the Iranian-flagged commercial vessel Touska (also spelled Toska) on April 19, 2026, in the Sea of Oman. In a statement posted on X, the mission described the action as an “illegal seizure” and “flagrant breach of international law,” claiming the ship carried “critical dialysis supplies and medical equipment.” It warned that the move endangers lives, undermines freedom of navigation, and risks vulnerable patients, demanding accountability and the immediate release of the vessel and crew.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance intercepted the Touska after it ignored repeated warnings over six hours while heading to Bandar Abbas, Iran, in violation of the US naval blockade. The Navy fired several 5-inch gun rounds into the engine room to disable the vessel, after which Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded it. The ship and crew remain in US custody, with ongoing inspections of its containers.

US officials and maritime sources state the Touska, operated by the sanctioned Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), likely carried dual-use equipment following a voyage from Asian ports, including China. No independent verification has confirmed Iran’s specific medical cargo claim. President Trump and US military leaders described the operation as enforcement of the blockade around Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz.

The incident, the first boarding since the blockade began, has heightened tensions amid fragile ceasefire talks. Iran has filed a formal complaint with the UN Security Council, labeling it “piracy” and aggression. Cargo searches continue, with the situation monitored closely for potential impacts on regional stability.

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