US-Iran-Israel War Latest Update: Trump Claims US Navy ‘Blew Hole in Engine Room’ as Iranian Vessel TOUSKA Seized in Strait of Hormuz Amid Middle East Escalation

Middle East Conflict: Trump claims US seized Iranian vessel TOUSKA in Strait of Hormuz as tensions rise and shipping disruptions trigger global concerns.

By: Amreen Ahmad
Last Updated: April 20, 2026 01:31:43 IST

US-Iran-Israel War Latest News: Tensions between the United States, Iran and Israel have intensified following claims that US forces intercepted and seized an Iranian-flagged vessel in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The development comes amid rising military alerts, shipping disruptions and growing fears of a broader regional conflict and the incident has also raised concerns over global oil supply routes and maritime security.

US-Iran-Israel War Update: Trump Claims US Seized Iranian Vessel

Donald Trump claimed that American naval forces intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo ship named TOUSKA after it attempted to breach a US naval blockade. According to Trump, the vessel ignored repeated warnings, prompting the US Navy to disable it and Trump stated that the guided missile destroyer USS Spruance intercepted the ship and “blew a hole in the engine room” after the crew refused to comply.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Today, an Iranian-flagged cargo ship named TOUSKA… tried to get past our Naval Blockade and it did not go well for them.”

US-Iran-Israel War Update: Where the Incident Happened

The confrontation reportedly took place near the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, one of the world’s most crucial maritime chokepoints and nearly 20% of global oil shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz daily, making any disruption a major concern for global markets and energy security.

US-Iran-Israel War Update: Details About the Vessel TOUSKA

Trump described the Iranian-flagged vessel TOUSKA as:

  • Nearly 900 feet long
  • Comparable in size to an aircraft carrier
  • Under US Treasury sanctions
  • Allegedly involved in previous illegal activity

Following the interception, US Marines reportedly took full custody of the ship while authorities began inspecting its cargo.

US-Iran-Israel War Update: Strait of Hormuz Shipping Disruptions

Tracking data indicated that no tankers crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, marking one of the quietest days in recent months. The disruption followed warnings from Iranian forces and reports of tankers being turned around. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly announced renewed restrictions in the region, further increasing tensions.

US-Iran-Israel War Update: UK Issues Maritime Threat Warning

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations warned that the threat level in the Strait of Hormuz remains “critical”.

Officials cited:

  • Navigation interference
  • Blockade enforcement
  • Mine threats
  • Risk of vessel attacks

The warning also extended to the Gulf of Oman and surrounding waters.

US-Iran-Israel War Update: Israel-Gaza Violence Adds to Regional Tensions

Meanwhile, violence in Gaza further heightened tensions and reports indicated that an Israeli strike killed a child near the al‑Maghazi refugee camp. Additional drone strikes reportedly caused casualties near Nuseirat camp and these developments have added another layer to the already volatile geopolitical situation.

US-Iran-Israel War Update: Iran Reacts to Escalation

Masoud Pezeshkian issued a message mourning casualties and warning that the blood of victims “will not go to waste” and the statement signaled heightened tensions and potential retaliation concerns. Iranian officials also accused what they described as “American-Zionist” actions contributing to regional instability.

“I extend my congratulations to the daughters of my homeland on the birth anniversary of Hazrat Masumeh (peace be upon her) and National Girls’ Day; although we are all mourning the loss of our loved ones, especially the innocent daughters of #Minab, who were martyred on the first day of the #ImposedWar of Ramadan by the American-Zionist enemy,” he wrote.

US-Iran-Israel War Update: Global Impact & Oil Market Concerns

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors:

  • Nearly 20% of global oil passes through daily
  • Over $1 billion worth of oil flows through the strait daily
  • Any disruption could impact global fuel prices

Experts warn that continued escalation could affect shipping, insurance costs and energy markets worldwide.

Disclaimer: This article is based on official statements and early reports. Details may change as more information becomes available.

Most Popular

The Sunday Guardian is India’s fastest
growing News channel and enjoy highest
viewership and highest time spent amongst
educated urban Indians.

The Sunday Guardian is India’s fastest growing News channel and enjoy highest viewership and highest time spent amongst educated urban Indians.

© Copyright ITV Network Ltd 2025. All right reserved.