Donald Trump has said the United States seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship after allegedly disabling it at sea, in a move that comes amid escalating tensions with Iran and uncertainty over ongoing diplomatic efforts.
In a post on Truth Social on Sunday evening, Trump claimed US forces stopped the vessel by “blowing a hole” in its engine room, allowing American marines to take control. He added that US personnel now have “full custody” of the ship and are inspecting its contents. The claims have not been independently verified, and US defence officials have not yet publicly confirmed the details.
The reported incident appears linked to a broader US effort to enforce restrictions on Iranian maritime activity, including what Trump described as a blockade targeting Iranian ports. It remains unclear where exactly the interception took place, or under what legal framework the seizure was conducted.
The development comes at a sensitive moment, as diplomatic channels between Washington and Tehran appear to be faltering. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran has declined to participate in a second round of talks, citing what it described as “excessive demands” and “unrealistic requests” from the United States. The report did not identify specific officials or provide further detail, and the claim has not been independently confirmed.
Earlier the same day, Trump had urged Iran to return to negotiations, warning that failure to reach an agreement could result in strikes on civilian infrastructure. The statement marked a sharp escalation in rhetoric, raising concerns about the potential for a wider conflict if talks collapse.
US negotiators, including Vice President JD Vance, were expected to travel to Islamabad for discussions aimed at reducing tensions. However, with Tehran reportedly pulling back, the future of those talks remains uncertain.
Details surrounding the seized vessel are still limited. It is not yet known what cargo the ship was carrying, whether there were casualties, or how Iran may respond. Iranian authorities have not issued an official statement addressing Trump’s claims as of now.
The situation highlights the fragile state of relations between the US and Iran, which have been marked by cycles of confrontation and stalled diplomacy in recent years. Maritime incidents in particular have often served as flashpoints, given the strategic importance of shipping routes in the region.
Analysts say that if confirmed, the seizure could further complicate efforts to revive negotiations, especially if Tehran views the action as a provocation. At the same time, Washington may frame it as part of a broader strategy to apply pressure and enforce compliance.
With a reported ceasefire window nearing its end and both sides exchanging warnings, the coming days are likely to be critical. Whether diplomatic channels can be reopened, or whether tensions escalate further, remains unclear.