The U.S. Navy seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship on Sunday, escalating tensions as a fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran nears its expiration. The seizure occurred near the Strait of Hormuz, where the U.S. has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports. President Donald Trump announced the interception, stating that a guided missile destroyer blew a hole in the ship's engine room and took custody of the vessel, named Touska. Iran condemned the action as piracy and vowed a response.
Meanwhile, Iran has refused to confirm attendance at peace talks scheduled for Monday in Pakistan, casting doubt on efforts to extend the ceasefire set to expire on Wednesday. Iranian officials accused the U.S. of not being serious about peace, citing the seizure and ongoing blockade as evidence. The U.S. had hoped to resume negotiations to address key sticking points, including uranium enrichment, sanctions, and the Strait of Hormuz.
The ceasefire, which began on April 7, has allowed Iran to replenish its drone and missile capabilities, according to a senior Iranian military commander. Brigadier General Majid Mousavi claimed Iran has restocked its arsenal faster than before the war, contradicting U.S. and Israeli claims of degrading Iran's production capabilities. The U.S. has deployed additional naval assets to the region, including the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, amid heightened tensions.
Separately, Israel and Lebanon are holding direct negotiations in Washington this week, facilitated by the U.S., to resolve their border dispute and end the war that has killed over 2,200 people. The talks follow a 10-day ceasefire agreement between the two countries, brokered by the U.S. The negotiations aim to demarcate the international land boundary and secure a lasting peace.