US Navy Seizes Iranian-Flagged Cargo Ship Touska Near Strait of Hormuz for Violating Blockade

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy seized the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska on April 19, 2026, after it attempted to bypass the American naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance fired shots into the ship’s engine room after the crew ignored orders to stop. U.S. Marines then boarded the vessel, which is now in American custody. President Donald Trump confirmed the action, stating the ship tried to “get around” the blockade and was “stopped right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engineroom.”

This marks the first forcible seizure since the U.S. imposed the naval blockade on Iranian ports last week to enforce sanctions and pressure Tehran over its nuclear program and support for regional proxies. The blockade has already halted Iranian oil exports, costing the regime hundreds of millions of dollars daily.

Iran’s military headquarters called the incident a “ceasefire violation” and vowed a “swift response.” The action comes amid a fragile 10-day ceasefire and as U.S. negotiators prepare to meet Iranian officials in Pakistan on Monday for the next round of talks.

For American families and global markets still feeling the effects of recent energy disruptions, the seizure demonstrates the administration’s commitment to maintaining the blockade until a comprehensive deal is reached that addresses Iran’s nuclear ambitions and ends its destabilizing activities. No injuries were reported in the operation.