Seized Iran ship had missile chemicals: Nikki Haley

The United States has seized an Iran-flagged cargo vessel in the Arabian Sea after opening fire to disable it, escalating tensions just days before a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran is set to expire.

Taking to X, Nikki Haley claimed that the intercepted ship was carrying chemicals linked to missile production and was en route from China to Iran. She alleged that the vessel ignored repeated warnings to stop, adding that the incident highlights China’s role in supporting Iran’s regime.

According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces engaged the Iranian-flagged vessel, identified as M/V Touska, after it attempted to breach a US-imposed naval blockade on Iranian ports. Officials said multiple warnings were issued during a six-hour standoff before action was taken.

A US guided-missile destroyer, USS Spruance, reportedly targeted the ship’s engine room, disabling its propulsion system. US Marines later boarded the vessel and took control. Authorities are now inspecting thousands of containers onboard to determine the exact nature of the cargo.

The operation marks the first known use of force since the US imposed restrictions on Iranian maritime activity earlier this month, significantly raising the stakes in the already volatile Strait of Hormuz region.

Iran strongly condemned the move, calling it “armed piracy.” The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned of retaliation, stating that Iran’s armed forces would respond to what it described as US aggression.

Iranian officials said their forces did not resist the boarding to avoid risking the lives of crew members. Meanwhile, US officials maintained that the vessel had ignored repeated radio warnings before force was used.

The seized ship had reportedly been under US sanctions and was being monitored for links to Iran’s supply chains.

(With inputs from syndicated feed)