The United States Central Command (United States Central Command) has released video footage showing what it describes as a military operation against an Iranian flagged cargo vessel in the Arabian Sea, escalating already heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Read More: Iran warns of retaliation after US seizes vessel
According to the footage shared on social media platform X, U.S. Marines can be seen boarding a vessel identified as the MV Tosca during a coordinated maritime operation in the Sea of Oman. The video reportedly shows helicopter deployment from the USS Tripoli, followed by Marines descending onto the ship using ropes.
U.S. Marines depart amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) by helicopter and transit over the Arabian Sea to board and seize M/V Touska. The Marines rappelled onto the Iranian-flagged vessel, April 19, after guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) disabled Touska’s… pic.twitter.com/mFxI5RzYCS
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 20, 2026
U.S. forces operating in the Arabian Sea enforced naval blockade measures against an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel attempting to sail toward an Iranian port, April 19.
Guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) intercepted M/V Touska as it transited the north Arabian Sea at… https://t.co/iyzOQd93C3 pic.twitter.com/HwU4XS48Oq
— DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) April 19, 2026
CENTCOM stated that the operation came after repeated warnings were issued to the vessel’s crew over a six-hour period, which it claims were ignored. Officials said the ship was allegedly violating a maritime restriction linked to ongoing security measures in the region.
U.S. sources further claimed that the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance disabled the vessel’s engine using a 5-inch Mk 45 naval gun after the crew failed to comply with instructions to halt movement. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit then boarded the ship and secured control.
The U.S. Department of Defense said the vessel was heading toward Bandar Abbas in Iran when it was intercepted. Officials justified the action as necessary to enforce maritime security protocols, while emphasizing that the crew had been given multiple opportunities to comply peacefully.
However, Iran strongly rejected the U.S. account, calling the operation an act of “piracy.” Iranian military officials condemned the seizure and warned of retaliation, stating that the incident violates international norms and a ceasefire understanding in the region.
Read More: US seizes Iranian-flagged vessel after interception at sea
Tehran’s response has further intensified concerns of escalation between the two countries, with analysts warning that maritime tensions in strategic waterways could have wider geopolitical consequences. The investigation and diplomatic exchanges between the two sides are expected to continue in the coming days.