Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran

Tehran, Apr 20: Iran has launched drones targeting American forces in the Gulf of Oman in response to an alleged attack on an Iranian merchant vessel by the United States, according to local media reports on Monday.

The reports stated that US forces had targeted an Iranian vessel in the Gulf of Oman, but were forced to retreat following what was described as the “timely presence and rapid response” of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval units.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions following the reported US naval blockade of Iran after the breakdown of talks in Islamabad. US President Donald Trump said the vessel, identified as ‘TOUSKA’, had been taken into American custody due to its alleged “prior history of illegal activity”.

“We have full custody of the ship, and are seeing what’s on board!” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.

Confirming the attack, Tehran condemned the US action as “armed piracy” and warned of a swift response. Iranian authorities also stated that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed following the blockade, and would remain shut unless the US lifts its restrictions.

In a statement, the Iranian military accused the US of violating the ceasefire and attacking a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman, claiming that American forces fired upon the ship, disabled its navigation system, and deployed personnel onto its deck.

Meanwhile, Iran has also refused to participate in the second round of negotiations that were expected to be held in Islamabad. Tehran blamed Washington for the collapse of talks, citing “excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, constant shifts in stance, and repeated contradictions”.

The development comes shortly after Trump announced that a US delegation would travel to Pakistan for the negotiations. While there was initial uncertainty over the leadership of the delegation, the White House later confirmed that Vice President JD Vance would lead the team for the proposed second round of talks.