Miami, US, Apr 19 (EFE).- United States President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that the US Navy attacked and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship that attempted to breach the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
»Today, an Iranian-flagged cargo ship named Touska, nearly 900 feet long and weighing almost as much as an aircraft carrier, tried to get past our Naval Blockade, and it did not go well for them,» Trump reported in a post on Truth Social.
According to the president, the Iranian crew «refused to listen,» so the ship was attacked in the waters of the Gulf of Oman and is currently in “custody» of the US Navy.
The vessel is subject to US Treasury sanctions due to a “prior history of illegal activities.»
Trump added that the US Navy ship “stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engine room,» and that they are currently verifying the cargo it was carrying.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key artery through which 20% of the world’s crude oil passes, has remained blocked since the start of US and Israeli attacks against Iran 50 days ago.
Iran regained «strict control» of the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, just one day after announcing its reopening. In recent hours, the Revolutionary Guard forced two oil tankers flying the flags of Botswana and Angola to turn back.
In parallel with the Iranian blockade, the United States is implementing a naval blockade specifically targeting Tehran to prevent the export and import of supplies.
The second round of peace talks between the United States and Iran will take place on Monday in Islamabad, to be attended by US Vice President JD Vance, as announced on Sunday by Trump. EFE
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