Video: Tensions rise after US seizes Iranian ship, peace talks uncertain

Following a brief reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on 17 April – before a return to the status quo, with the US maintaining its expanded blockade and Iran insisting vessels use its coordinated route – developments took a new turn over the weekend. An Iranian container ship was taken into US custody.

United States Central Command (CENTCOM) disclosed on 19 April that “naval blockade measures” had been enforced against Iranian-flagged vessel Touska as it attempted to sail toward an Iranian port in the northern Arabian Sea.

“American forces issued multiple warnings and informed the Iranian-flagged vessel it was in violation of the US blockade,” CENTCOM stated.

According to the command, the crew of Touska failed to comply “with repeated warnings over a six-hour period.” Guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG-111) subsequently “directed the vessel to evacuate its engine room.”

The ship’s propulsion was disabled after the destroyer fired several rounds from its 5-inch Mk 45 gun.

US Marines later boarded the vessel, which remains in US custody, CENTCOM said.

Since the blockade began on 13 April, US forces have redirected 25 commercial vessels, ordering them to turn back or return to Iranian ports.

Cited by Tasnim News Agency, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on 20 April that it is prepared to “respond decisively to the invading American forces” following what it described as “blatant aggression.”

“Given the current circumstances, once the safety of the families and crew of the vessel targeted by the United States is ensured, the powerful armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will take the necessary action against the terrorist US military,” the report added.

These developments follow a series of attacks on commercial vessels over the weekend.

Uncertain peace talks

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump signalled on 19 April that both parties are expected to travel to Islamabad this week for renewed talks.

While mainstream media report that preparations are underway in the city to host delegations, Tehran has not confirmed its participation.

“As of now, we have no plans for the next round of negotiations,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said on 20 April during a weekly press conference, as cited by CNN.

BBC reported the same day that guests at Islamabad’s Serena Hotel – where talks were held on 11 April – have been asked to leave in preparation for a meeting, while police announced the closure of key roads due to the arrival of foreign delegations.