Tensions between the United States and Iran intensified over the weekend when the US Navy seized the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska in the Gulf of Oman. The operation, conducted by the USS Spruance, involved firing upon the ship to disable its engine after it failed to heed multiple warnings. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the vessel was intercepted while en route to Bandar Abbas, Iran. President Donald Trump stated that the ship, which is under US Treasury sanctions, attempted to breach a naval blockade. In response, Iran condemned the seizure as an act of armed piracy and vowed to retaliate, refusing to participate in upcoming peace talks with the US. The incident has raised concerns about shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil supply, which remains closed amid ongoing tensions. Trump has threatened to take further action against Iran if negotiations do not progress, while Iran disputes several points of contention raised by the US regarding its nuclear program.