Iran has strongly condemned the United States for seizing its commercial vessel 'Tuska' in the Gulf of Oman, calling the action illegal and terroristic. In a statement issued by the Iranian Foreign Ministry on April 21, 2026, Tehran demanded the immediate release of the ship and its crew, claiming that both the sailors and their families were being detained. Iran described the seizure as a violation of international law and a recent ceasefire agreement.

The US military stated that the Iranian crew had ignored multiple warnings over six hours before the destroyer USS Spruance ordered the engine room to be evacuated and fired several rounds to disable the ship’s engines. Iran warned that the move could have extremely dangerous consequences and urged the United Nations and other international bodies to condemn the US action. Senior Iranian officials had previously issued similar statements following the seizure.

Former US President Donald Trump said the United States would not lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports until an agreement with Iran is reached.