The U.S. has seized an Iranian cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz after firing on it, escalating tensions just as a second round of peace talks between the two nations looms. The Touska, an Iranian-flagged vessel, was disabled when the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) struck its engine room, according to a statement accompanying a video released by U.S. Central Command. Marines then descended from a helicopter to board the ship and inspect its cargo. President Trump said the vessel was operating under U.S. Treasury sanctions and claimed the military had "stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engine room" after warnings were ignored. Iran's Revolutionary Guard responded by vowing retaliation against U.S. forces, though no specifics were provided.
A U.S. delegation led by Vice President Vance, along with envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, is scheduled to travel to Islamabad for renewed talks, a move confirmed by an official speaking on background. Iran, however, has cast doubt on its participation. Esmail Baghaei, spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry, stated there were no current plans for the second round, accusing the U.S. of lacking seriousness in pursuing diplomacy. The first round, held just over a week ago, collapsed after Vance claimed Iran refused to accept U.S. terms on nuclear enrichment. Trump warned on social media that if Iran walks away from negotiations, the U.S. will destroy every power plant and bridge in the country, declaring, "NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!" The temporary ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is set to expire this week.
Iranian officials reported that at least 3,375 people have been killed in the conflict, including 383 children under 18, according to Abbas Masjedi of Iran's Legal Medicine Organization. No distinction was made between civilian and security force casualties.
The U.S. launched a military seizure of an Iranian ship while simultaneously pushing for peace talks, undermining its own diplomatic credibility. Iran's refusal to confirm attendance in Islamabad reflects skepticism that cannot be dismissed as mere posturing when military actions precede negotiation invitations. Trump's threat to destroy Iran's infrastructure if talks fail contradicts the premise of a "fair and reasonable DEAL" he claims to offer. With 3,375 dead and a ceasefire near expiry, violence remains the dominant language of this exchange.
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