CENTCOM Releases Video of USS Tripoli Marines Assaulting and Seizing Iranian Cargo Ship M/V Touska After Ignoring Six Hours of Warnings and Trump’s Naval Blockade in the Strait of Hormuz
In a high-precision nighttime operation, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) released a video showing Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, operating from the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), taking control of the Iranian cargo ship M/V Touska in the waters of the Arabian Sea, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The incident occurred on April 19 when the Iranian-flagged vessel ignored repeated warnings from U.S. forces for more than six hours while attempting to violate the naval blockade imposed by the U.S. on Iranian ports and coastal areas.
The guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) disabled its propulsion with directed fire, leaving the ship motionless. Subsequently, helicopters deployed the Marines, who rappelled onto the deck and secured the vessel, which now remains in U.S. custody.
Donald Trump announced the action on social media, stating that the cargo ship tried to pass the naval blockade “and it did not go well for them.”
According to reports, the Touska is sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury and is part of the first actual seizure since the blockade went into effect last week. So far, 27 commercial vessels had been diverted without the need for force.
Iran immediately condemned the operation as “armed piracy” and warned that it would respond in a “firm and calculated” manner, according to statements from its military authorities collected by international media. Tehran maintains that the action violates international law and threatens reprisals in the region.
This is the first time U.S. forces have boarded and confiscated an Iranian vessel since the start of the blockade, a measure aimed at pressuring Iran amid regional tensions and efforts to force negotiations.
The USS Tripoli, with thousands of Marines on board, is part of the naval reinforcement deployed in CENTCOM’s area of responsibility.
The determination shown by the Trump administration reinforces the policy of deterrent force against the Iranian regime, sending a clear message that violations of the blockade will not be tolerated.
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