Iran vows to 'soon respond' after US hits cargo ship

Iran has vowed to respond after a US Navy destroyer fired on an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman. The incident occurred when the vessel, named Touska, attempted to evade a US naval blockade. The US guided missile destroyer USS Spruance disabled the ship by targeting its engine room, and US Marines have since taken custody of the vessel. Iran’s military central command accused the United States of violating a ceasefire that has been in place since April 8. The Iranian military’s spokesperson warned of imminent retaliation, describing the US action as "armed piracy." The confrontation comes amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. The strait has been effectively closed since the outbreak of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran seven weeks ago, with Iran briefly reopening it last Friday following a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, Iran closed the strait again after the US maintained its blockade on maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports. US President Donald Trump confirmed the incident via social media, stating that the US Navy acted after the Iranian vessel ignored warnings to stop. He emphasized that US Marines were inspecting the cargo ship to determine what was on board. Trump also accused Iran of violating the ceasefire, which is set to expire soon, underscoring the fragile and volatile situation in the region. This latest clash highlights the ongoing risks of escalation in the Gulf, where strategic maritime routes and geopolitical rivalries intersect. The incident may further complicate diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region and secure the free flow of energy supplies critical to the global economy.