Washington: The US Navy has successfully intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel that attempted to bypass the naval blockade imposed by the United States near the Strait of Hormuz.
According to reports, a US warship opened fire on the vessel before taking it into custody.
The US Navy's guided-missile destroyer, USS Spruance, intercepted the Iranian cargo ship named 'Touska.'
US President Donald Trump stated that the vessel failed to stop despite warnings issued over a six-hour period, prompting the decision to use gunfire to halt it. He confirmed that US Marines have currently taken control of the ship.
Iran has vehemently condemned the incident, labeling it "maritime piracy." Accusing the United States of violating the ceasefire agreement, Tehran warned that it would provide a fitting response shortly.
Following this development, global oil prices have surged, and the ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States have fallen into a state of uncertainty.
The US imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports last week. This is the first vessel that attempted to break the blockade, raising fears of further escalation of the conflict in West Asia.