In a sharp escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Iran’s Hazrat Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters has issued a strong warning following the US Navy’s interception and seizure of the Iranian-flagged cargo vessel Touska in the Gulf of Oman (also referred to as waters of the Sea of Oman). The incident occurred amid the ongoing US naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route.
What Happened: US Action Against Iranian Ship Touska
On April 19-20, 2026, the US guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance intercepted the Iranian cargo ship Touska (also spelled Tuska or M/V Touska) as it attempted to approach Iranian waters, reportedly heading toward Bandar Abbas. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM) and President Donald Trump:
- The crew received repeated warnings over a six-hour period but did not comply.
- The USS Spruance fired several rounds from its 5-inch MK 45 gun into the ship’s engine room to disable propulsion.
- Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, operating from the USS Tripoli, rappelled onto the vessel and took control.
- The ship, which was under US Treasury sanctions for alleged prior illegal activity, remains in US custody. US forces are inspecting its cargo.
President Trump stated on Truth Social: “Today, an Iranian-flagged cargo ship named TOUSKA… tried to get past our Naval Blockade, and it did not go well for them. We have full custody of the ship, and are seeing what’s on board!” He described the action as enforcement of the US blockade imposed after the collapse of peace talks in Islamabad.
Iran’s Strong Response from Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters
As per report, a spokesman for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya (Hazrat Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters) said, “Following the attack by us commandos on the Iranian commercial ship, the armed forces of the Islamic Republic will carry out the necessary action against the US military in the waters of the Sea of Oman.”