Iran slams US seizure of its vessel, vows swift response

UNB

Published: April 20, 2026, 09:41 AM

Iran slams US seizure of its vessel, vows swift response

Tankers anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Qeshm Island, Iran, Saturday, April 18, 2026. Photo: AP

Iran’s military headquarters says the U.S. attack and seizure of an Iranian-flagged tanker marks a ceasefire violation.

Iran’s state broadcaster reported that the country’s military denounced the U.S. action as “maritime piracy” and said that “Iran will respond soon.”

The U.S. says it fired on the ship and seized it because it had crossed the blockade line after ignoring multiple warnings.

Earlier, the United States attacked and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship it said had tried to evade its naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday.

It was the first interception since the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports began last week.

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