Iran to soon retaliate after U.S. seizure of cargo ship

Increasing tension between Iran and the United States. An American missile destroyer seized an Iranian-flagged ship, the Touska, reports RFI. The ship had crossed the blockade ordered by the American navy and ignored radio warnings.

For the first time since the beginning of the American blockade on Iranian ports, the U.S. navy opened fire. Following this attack, the engine room of the Touska was hit. Marines then took control of the ship. Tehran denounced an act of piracy and promised to “respond soon.” So far, the American navy had forced 25 cargo ships to turn back due to its blockade.

However, there is urgency between the two nations: the ceasefire between them expires on Wednesday, April 22. To give diplomacy a chance, a new series of American-Iranian talks is scheduled for this week in Islamabad. The U.S. president is in favor of the talks. They will be led, on the American side, by Vice President J.D. Vance, Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and negotiator Steve Witkoff.

For now, Tehran has not confirmed its participation in this diplomatic move. Abbas Araghtchi, Iran’s foreign minister, criticized the “bad intentions” and the “lack of seriousness in diplomacy” on the part of the Americans. Iran may then demand a lifting of the American blockade as a prerequisite to resume discussions.