US Navy Disables Iranian Cargo Ship in Arabian Sea

Apr 20, 2026

56 min

Apr 20, 2026 01:30

'Touska, vacate your engine room': US Navy warns before disabling Iran-bound ship's engine

## Incident Overview

On April 19, US naval forces intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, the Touska, in the northern Arabian Sea. The ship was traveling towards Bandar Abbas, a significant Iranian port, when it was stopped by the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance.

## Blockade Enforcement

The US Central Command reported that the ship was violating a US-imposed maritime blockade on Iranian traffic. Despite multiple radio warnings over six hours, the Touska's crew did not alter their course. Consequently, the US Navy disabled the ship's propulsion by firing into the engine room after instructing the crew to evacuate.

## Aftermath

Following the disabling of the ship, US Marines boarded the vessel, which remains in US custody. The US described the action as a necessary measure to enforce the blockade while minimizing harm.

## Blockade Context

The blockade is a strategic military operation aimed at restricting the movement of ships and goods to and from Iran. Since its implementation, US forces have redirected at least 25 commercial vessels back to Iranian ports. The blockade's goal is to cut off essential supplies and weaken Iran's economic and military capabilities.

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