Trump Says He Ordered Blockade of Iranian Cargo Ship... Vessel Seized After Breaking Through Maritime Blockade

[Financial News, New York = Reporter Lee Byung-chul]Donald Trump has sharply escalated pressure on Iran by publicly disclosing a maritime operation aimed directly at an Iranian vessel. With ceasefire talks approaching, the situation appears to be entering a two-track phase of military tension and diplomatic negotiations.
On the 19th local time, Trump said on Truth Social that the Iranian cargo ship Touska, which he described as being about 900 feet long and the size of an aircraft carrier, had tried to break through the maritime blockade but failed.
He said the U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer Spruance-class destroyer intercepted the vessel in the Gulf of Oman and ordered it to stop, but the Iranian crew did not comply. He added that U.S. forces then fired into the engine room to bring the ship to a halt.
He also said that U.S. Marines have now secured the vessel and are inspecting the cargo inside. He added that the ship had previously been placed under sanctions by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for illegal activities.
Trump did not explicitly say whether shots were fired, but the circumstances suggest that the U.S. Navy likely used force against the vessel and seized it.
The move is being seen as a pressure tactic designed to maximize leverage ahead of the end of a two-week ceasefire on the 21st. However, if Iran labels the action hostile and claims it violated the ceasefire agreement, the incident could become a major variable in whether talks resume.
On the same day, Trump said the U.S. negotiating team was heading to Islamabad, Pakistan, and warned that if Iran does not accept the proposal, the United States could strike key infrastructure such as power plants and bridges.
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pride@fnnews.com Reporter Lee Byung-chul Reporter