WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said that the US military has seized a vessel flying the flag of Iran. The ship was alleged to have been defying the US naval blockade set up in the Strait of Hormuz. The ship known as Toshka has been stopped by a guided missile destroyer of the US Navy after not following various warnings issued to it.
President Trump said that the Toshka vessel was about 900 feet long and weighed as much as an aircraft carrier. The Iranian crew members on board were warned several times but still did not stop their journey, hence leading to the US Navy making the necessary move. According to reports, the ship’s engine room was punctured so that the vessel stopped.
Iran responds to US Navy’s Maritime assault, promises action
Meanwhile, Iran’s Joint Military Command has vowed to respond swiftly to the US military’s attack on an Iranian commercial ship, accusing the United States of violating the ceasefire agreement by firing upon the vessel. The ship, which was traveling from China to Iran, was targeted in the Gulf of Oman.
According to the Iranian command, this attack by the US Navy constitutes an unlawful maritime assault. In retaliation, Iranian forces have already launched drone strikes on some US naval ships in the region.
A statement from the Joint Military Command emphasized that Iran will not tolerate such aggression and will take appropriate action in response to what it called a “maritime and armed robbery” by the US. The Iranian military further clarified that they are prepared for any further escalation and are closely monitoring the situation.
This development comes amid growing tensions between the US and Iran, with both nations engaged in a series of confrontational actions in the region. Iran’s swift promise of retaliation raises concerns about further military escalation.
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