The United States has seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman, prompting Iran to accuse Washington of violating a ceasefire and vowing retaliation. US President Donald Trump confirmed that a US destroyer fired upon and took custody of the cargo ship, identified as the ‘Touska’, which he claimed attempted to breach an American blockade.
According to US Central Command, a video shows the USS Spruance opening fire on the ‘Touska’ after the tanker allegedly ignored multiple warnings over six hours and was headed to an Iranian port. US Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit subsequently boarded and seized the vessel.
Iran’s top joint military command stated that the US violated a ceasefire, in place since early April, by firing on the Iranian ship. Iranian officials have condemned the action as “maritime and armed robbery” and vowed to retaliate, also expressing suspicion that President Trump might be planning a “surprise attack” next week.
Amidst these escalating tensions, Iran has officially rejected participating in a second round of peace talks with the US, which were scheduled to begin Monday in Islamabad, Pakistan. Iran’s state news agency IRNA cited “Washington’s excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, constant shifts in stance, repeated contradictions, and the ongoing naval blockade” as reasons for its absence.
Despite Iran’s rejection, President Trump announced that US negotiators, led by Vice-President JD Vance, would be in Pakistan to resume talks aimed at ending the conflict. However, Trump also issued a stern warning via social media, threatening to “knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran” if Tehran refuses a “reasonable deal.”
The heightened geopolitical risk saw benchmark US oil contract West Texas Intermediate (WTI) surge 7.5% to US$90.17 per barrel, while international oil benchmark Brent North Sea crude gained 6.5% to US$96.27 per barrel.
Further complicating the regional landscape, Argentine President Javier Milei declared his firm support for the joint US-Israel campaign against Iran, calling it the “right thing to do.” During his third visit to Israel, Milei signed the US-backed Isaac Accords, aimed at deepening ties between Israel and Latin American countries. He reaffirmed Argentina’s decision to designate Iran’s Revolutionary Guards a “terrorist organisation” and blamed Iran for past terrorist attacks in Buenos Aires. Milei also reiterated Argentina’s willingness to move its embassy to Jerusalem.
Meanwhile, in Lebanon, Israel has vowed to use “full force” against threats despite a recently enacted 10-day truce with Hezbollah. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the military was instructed to act with full force, including demolishing structures allegedly used as Hezbollah terror outposts, even during the ceasefire. Lebanese state media reported ongoing demolitions in southern border towns.
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