Full Breakdown
U.S. Navy Disables Iranian Cargo Ship M/V Touska During Blockade
4/25/2026, 11:34:43 AM
Blockade Enforcement and the Spruance–Touska Incident
On Sunday in the north Arabian Sea, the U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance intercepted the Iranian-flagged cargo vessel M/V Touska, which was sailing toward the port of Bandar Abbas. After a six-hour window in which the ship ignored multiple warnings, the warship fired five warning shots and then, under authorization, discharged nine inert 127 mm Mk 45 rounds into the vessel’s engine room, disabling its propulsion. The crew was ordered to abandon the engine room, and U.S. Marines boarded the ship by helicopter, rappelling onto the deck, taking both the vessel and its crew into custody. The engagement marks a rare use of force against a non-combat merchant ship in the ongoing U.S. blockade.
Background: U.S. Blockade of Iranian Ports
The United States began a maritime blockade of vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports on 13 April 2026. Since then, 34 ships have turned back after receiving U.S. orders. The operation is supported by more than 17 warships and over 100 aircraft, and runs alongside Operation Epic Fury, which has cleared most Iranian naval mines from the Strait of Hormuz while some remain suspected.
Official Statements & Responses
Gen. Dan Caine described the Spruance-Touska encounter as a preplanned, carefully calibrated escalation after the vessel failed to comply with repeated warnings. He confirmed that inert rounds were used to disable propulsion while preserving crew safety. President Trump publicly asserted that he ordered the Navy to destroy any boat, including fast-attack boats, that laid mines in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command highlighted ongoing mine-clearance efforts and noted the recent arrival of a third carrier strike group to reinforce regional firepower.
Verbatim Quotes
- “executed a series of preplanned, carefully calibrated escalation options, including firing five warning shots,” — Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
- “authorized disabling fire” — Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
- “nine inert rounds” — USS Spruance, U.S. Navy destroyer
- “President Donald Trump said Thursday that he ordered the Navy to destroy any boat, including Iran's fast-attack boats, laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz.” — President Donald Trump, President of the United States
Impact and Strategic Significance
Disabling M/V Touska curtails a potential channel for Iranian oil exports and signals U.S. willingness to employ calibrated force under the blockade. The action reinforces pressure on Tehran’s economy and demonstrates resolve against mine-laying that threatens navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
What’s Next
A third U.S. aircraft carrier strike group has entered the Central Command area of responsibility, boosting regional firepower. Mine-clearance operations continue, and further boardings are expected as the blockade persists.
