US Seizes Iranian Vessel Suspected of Chinese Cargo

United States President Donald Trump expressed surprise over an alleged shipment from China to Iran after American forces intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel in the Arabian Sea on Sunday. The seizure, part of a broader U.S. naval blockade aimed at pressuring Tehran into nuclear negotiations, has heightened tensions amid a fragile ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The vessel, known as the Touska and owned by Iran's national maritime carrier, Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, was targeted after failing to comply with repeated warnings from U.S. forces. According to U.S. Central Command, the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance fired rounds into the ship's engine room, disabling its propulsion following a six-hour standoff. Marines then rappelled from helicopters launched from the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli to board and take custody of the vessel, which is subject to U.S. Treasury sanctions. Video footage released by the command showed the operation, including warnings broadcast to the crew to evacuate the engine room.

Trump, speaking on CNBC's Squawk Box on Tuesday, described the cargo as a "gift from China" that "wasn't very nice," without...