U.S. Military Forces Iranian Cargo Ship to Stop in Gulf of Oman, Takes Control

Gate News message, April 19 — U.S. President Donald Trump announced on social media this afternoon that American military forces forcibly intercepted and seized an Iranian cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman on April 19. The ship, named TOUSKA and flying the Iranian flag, measures approximately 900 feet (274 meters) long and weighs as much as an aircraft carrier, according to Trump.

The U.S. Navy destroyer USS Spruance intercepted the vessel and ordered it to stop, but the ship's crew refused to comply. The U.S. military then damaged the ship's engine room, forcing it to halt. U.S. Marine Corps personnel have since taken control of the vessel. Trump stated the TOUSKA is subject to U.S. Treasury Department sanctions and was attempting to break through the American naval blockade.

The U.S. Navy has now fully secured the ship and is conducting an inspection of its cargo.