US Seizes Iranian Ship Amid Gulf Tensions

The United States Navy on Sunday intercepted and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, the Touska , in the Gulf, according to U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump said the vessel did not respond to warnings to stop and that a hole was blown in its engine room. Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters condemned the seizure as an “act of armed piracy” and said it would retaliate.

Iran’s statement said the United States violated a ceasefire by firing on and boarding what it described as a commercial vessel in the Sea of Oman . The incident comes as a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran is due to expire on Wednesday . Trump has also announced a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, and officials said the blockade remains in effect.

Diplomatic efforts are continuing alongside the maritime confrontation. A U.S. delegation led by Vice-President JD Vance is scheduled to travel to Pakistan for a second round of peace talks. Iran has not confirmed it will attend, citing the ongoing blockade and what it described as “excessive” U.S. demands.

Shipping risks remained elevated as the Strait of Hormuz stayed closed on Sunday. The waterway is described as critical for about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) transport. Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) said the strait would remain closed until the United States ended its naval blockade, linking the reopening to changes in U.S. policy.

The closure follows reports of attacks on multiple vessels in the strait on Saturday, including a French ship. Trump attributed those attacks to Iran. India also reported that two of its flagged ships were involved in a shooting incident in the area, underscoring the wider international exposure of commercial shipping to the current security environment.

For global markets and governments, the immediate focus is on the interaction between the seizure, the blockade, and the continued closure of a major energy corridor. The situation also carries political weight because the ceasefire is approaching its stated end date on Wednesday while talks are planned but not yet confirmed by Iran.

Key uncertainties include whether the Touska seizure triggers further retaliation, whether the Strait of Hormuz reopens under the conditions set out by the IRGC, and whether the planned Pakistan talks proceed with Iranian participation.