A US Navy destroyer has attacked and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, the Touska, in the Gulf of Oman, escalating tensions in the region just hours after President Trump announced plans to send his team to Islamabad for possible nuclear talks with Pakistan.
The attack, which Iran has condemned as "piracy," involved the guided-missile destroyer firing on the vessel before boarding and seizing it. US Central Command has released video footage showing the destroyer's actions against the Iranian ship.
Iran has vowed retaliation for what it describes as an act of aggression in international waters. The incident comes amid ongoing negotiations over Iran's nuclear program and follows months of escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.
European powers, led by France and the UK, have announced plans to form an international coalition to secure shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The coalition would consist of nonbelligerent states working to maintain freedom of navigation in the area.
The seizure represents a significant escalation in US-Iran tensions and threatens to derail diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further conflict in the Middle East. Regional analysts warn that Iran's promised response could target US interests or allies in the Gulf region.