US Navy Seizes Iranian Cargo Ship Amid Rising Gulf Tensions

Tehran. Amid ongoing tensions in the Gulf region, the US Navy has taken control of an Iranian cargo ship. US President Donald Trump confirmed via his social media platform, Truth Social, that the vessel, named Tuska, was seized for violating a US maritime blockade. 

Trump claims that after the ship ignored warnings to stop, a US warship fired into its engine room, forcing it to halt in the middle of the sea. The Tuska is an Iranian-flagged vessel, reportedly 900 feet long and weighing as much as an aircraft carrier. 

Trump stated that the ship was already on the US sanctions list for alleged involvement in illegal activities, and it is now fully under US control, with a search of its cargo underway. A video released by the US Central Command shows a warship firing at the cargo vessel.

This incident occurs amid reports of preparations for a second round of talks in Pakistan aimed at ending the conflict between Iran and the US. The White House has confirmed that a team led by Vice President JD Vance, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to travel to Pakistan for negotiations. 

However, Iran maintains that it will not participate in talks as long as US sanctions remain in place. Iranian state media, IRNA, has even claimed that reports of such talks are false.

The conflict, which began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, has reached a critical juncture. President Trump has reiterated his stance that the maritime blockade will continue until a new agreement is reached with Iran. 

In retaliation, Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which 20 percent of the world's oil and gas is transported. This has led to a sharp increase in global energy prices.

Although Pakistan has been attempting to mediate between the two nations, Iran has stated that negotiations have stalled due to the US's threatening language and excessive demands. With the ceasefire set to expire on Wednesday, tensions are expected to escalate further. 

Trump has accused Iran of trying to blackmail the US by closing the waterway, warning that if a peace deal is not signed, he will destroy every bridge and power plant in Iran. Iran, meanwhile, continues to accuse the US of violating the terms of the ceasefire.