Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Apr 20: The US Central Command has released footage showing a naval confrontation in the Gulf of Oman, where a US destroyer intercepted an Iranian vessel allegedly attempting to breach a maritime blockade.

The video shows the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance tracking and approaching the Iranian ship Touska as it moved through the northern Arabian Sea. According to US Central Command, multiple warnings were issued directing the vessel to halt.

When the Touska reportedly failed to comply, the situation escalated. The footage shows shots being fired after the crew was instructed to evacuate the engine room, following which the vessel’s propulsion system was disabled, leaving it adrift.

A second clip released by Central Command shows US naval forces boarding the immobilised ship. Personnel are seen securing the deck and taking control after the vessel was rendered non-operational. US officials described the operation as a response to a violation of the blockade.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump shared details of the incident on Truth Social, stating that the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska attempted to bypass the blockade but was intercepted by the US Navy.

He said the destroyer issued warnings before disabling the ship by targeting its engine room, adding that US Marines have taken custody of the vessel. He also claimed that the ship was under US Treasury sanctions due to alleged prior illegal activities.

Meanwhile, Iran confirmed the incident and warned of retaliation. In a statement, the Hazrat Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters termed the action as “armed piracy” and said the country’s armed forces would respond.

“We warn that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon respond to and retaliate against this armed piracy by the US military,” the statement said.