Nikki Haley, a prominent member of the Republican Party, asserted that the Iranian-flagged ship Touska, recently seized by the US Navy in the Strait of Hormuz, was en route from China to Iran with chemical shipments intended for missiles. Haley emphasized that this incident highlights China's role in supporting Iran's military capabilities. The ship, part of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), was boarded off the coast of Chabahar port in Iran. In response, Iran condemned the US action as 'armed piracy' and indicated it would not participate in upcoming talks with the US until the blockade is lifted. US security sources indicated that the ship might have been carrying dual-use items, which can serve both military and industrial purposes. The US has previously sanctioned IRISL, labeling it as a key player in transporting materials for Iran's ballistic missile program.