US Seizes Iranian Ship Near Hormuz, Tehran Vows Response As Ceasefire Hangs In Balance

VoM News Desk | April 20, 2026 | 02:15 PM IST | Breaking News, World | Follow on Google News

US Seizes Iranian Ship Near Hormuz, Tehran Vows Response As Ceasefire Hangs In Balance

New Delhi, Apr 20: The United States has intercepted and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions with Iran just days before a fragile ceasefire is set to expire.

According to U.S. officials, a Navy destroyer, USS Spruance (DDG-111), stopped the vessel identified as M/V Touska in the Arabian Sea after issuing repeated warnings. President Donald Trump said the ship was attempting to evade the ongoing U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, adding that forces disabled the vessel before boarding it.

Iran strongly condemned the action, calling it “piracy” and a violation of the ceasefire. Tehran’s joint military command warned of a response, raising concerns that the already fragile truce could collapse.

The incident marks the first such interception since Washington imposed the blockade last week to pressure Iran into a broader agreement, particularly over its nuclear programme and maritime access.

The standoff has also cast uncertainty over planned diplomatic talks. While the U.S. had earlier indicated that negotiations could resume in Islamabad, Iranian officials signaled skepticism, accusing Washington of “bad intentions” and inconsistency in diplomacy.

Global markets reacted swiftly, with oil prices rising amid fears of supply disruptions. The Strait of Hormuz carries nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil, making it a critical flashpoint in the conflict.

With both sides accusing each other of ceasefire violations, the situation remains volatile, and the risk of a wider escalation continues to grow.

VoM News Desk

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