U.S. forces intercepted an Iranian merchant vessel attempting to break through the blockade; the ship lost control after its engine room was destroyed.

U.S. Central Command Confirms Intercepting an Iranian Vessel Attempting to Break American Blockade

The U.S. Central Command confirmed that a merchant vessel from Iran was intercepted in the Gulf of Oman, attempting to breach the American blockade.

Previously, President Trump stated that U.S. forces had intercepted a cargo ship flying the Iranian flag in the Gulf of Oman and damaged its engine room.

In a statement on the X social media platform, Central Command said: "U.S. forces operating in the Arabian Sea took action to uphold the maritime blockade against an Iranian cargo vessel attempting to sail into an Iranian port."

According to Central Command, the Iranian vessel had been warned multiple times for violating the blockade.

The statement read: "After the crew of the Touska failed to respond to repeated demands over a six-hour period, the USS Spruance ordered the vessel to evacuate the engine room. Subsequently, the destroyer opened fire on the engine room, rendering the ship immobile."

Following this, U.S. Marines boarded the cargo vessel. According to Central Command, the ship is now under U.S. control.

Central Command stated: "Since the start of the blockade, U.S. forces have forced 25 commercial vessels to turn back or return to Iranian ports."

On February 28, the United States and Israel began launching attacks on targets inside Iran, resulting in over 3,000 deaths. On April 8, Washington and Tehran announced a two-week ceasefire, but subsequent negotiations held in Islamabad ended without results. There has been no news of renewed hostilities so far, although the U.S. has begun imposing a blockade on Iranian ports. Mediators are currently attempting to organize a new round of talks.

Source: sputniknews

Original: toutiao.com/article/1862941634952330/

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