This marks the first occurrence since the US-enforced blockade of this vital waterway last week, aimed at obstructing all vessels heading to and from Iranian ports.
In his Truth Social message, Trump noted that the ship, measuring about 900 feet in length and weighing “as much as an aircraft carrier,” tried to breach the Naval blockade and “it did not end well for them.”
“The Iranian crew refused to comply, so our Navy vessel stopped them right in their tracks by damaging the engine room. Currently, US Marines have the ship in their custody,” the US President added.
According to the US Central Command, the vessel ignored warnings to halt for over six hours, after which the navy instructed the crew to evacuate the engine room, before firing several rounds from a five-inch MK45 gun to disable it.
Trump indicated that the ship, named TOUSKA, has been under sanctions by the Treasury Department and is now in US custody.
On Sunday, Trump stated that the US has proposed a fair and reasonable deal to Iran, warning that if accepted, the US will take out every single power plant and bridge in the country. He also announced that the US delegation will travel to Islamabad for further discussions with Iran.
However, Iran’s news agency IRNA has reported that claims regarding a second round of negotiations in Islamabad are unfounded, citing excessive and unrealistic demands from the US, a continual shift in their position, and the ongoing naval blockade.
