The American army attacks an Iranian container ship in the Strait of Hormuz

Published: April 20, 2026 21:18

Reading Time: 2min – Video: 2min

Accused by Donald Trump of attempting to break the American blockade, the Iranian container ship Touska was targeted and boarded by the American military in the Strait of Hormuz. This act occurred just hours before expected negotiations between the United States and Iran in Pakistan.

From a naval confrontation near the Strait of Hormuz. The scene is filmed by the American military from one of its destroyers. Facing them is the Iranian container ship Touska. The military orders it to stop. But with the crew’s refusal to obey, the Americans proceed with several artillery shots, aiming at the engine room according to them. A method that allows them to stop the container ship without sinking it, as the engine room is located above the waterline.

Then, it’s the Marines who take control of the Touska as the ship was heading towards an Iranian port. The commando boards the ship, accused of bypassing the blockade. The images are broadcast worldwide by Washington. Donald Trump congratulates the operation: “The Touska ship tried to break our blockade and it didn’t go well for them. We have total control of the ship and are looking at what’s on board.”

A show of strength just hours before negotiations were to take place in Pakistan. American side, Vice President J.D. Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. But there is no guarantee that the Iranians will come to the negotiating table. “We don’t see any serious signs from the United States. On the contrary, many signs indicate that the Americans are not really willing to advance diplomacy,” said Esmail Baghaei, spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Two hours ago, Donald Trump announced that he was extending the ceasefire until Wednesday night. But according to the American president, if no agreement is reached, fighting will resume.