US Seizes Iranian Cargo Ship in Gulf of Oman and Disables Its Engine Room

The US Central Command (Centcom) confirmed it seized the Iranian-flagged cargo vessel Touska in the Gulf of Oman on April 19, 2026. This action was taken on the grounds that the ship was suspected of attempting to breach the US-imposed maritime blockade. After the crew was deemed to have disregarded repeated warnings over six hours, the US destroyer Spruance disabled the Touska's propulsion system by firing its guns into its engine room. This seizure occurred amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran. Iran had previously stated it would not return to peace talks with the US, which were planned to be held in Pakistan on April 20, 2026, citing the continued US blockade of ships entering and leaving Iranian ports. In response, Iran reinstated a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, 2026. After the Touska was disabled, US Marines boarded and took control of the cargo ship. Centcom stated that since the blockade began, US forces have ordered at least 25 merchant vessels to turn around or return to Iranian ports. https://www.harianaceh.co.id/2026/04/20/panas-as-sita-kapal-kargo-iran-di-teluk-oman-hancurkan-ruang-mesin/