The Iranian ship may have been carrying ‘dual-use cargo’ when it was seized by the US

On April 19, the destroyer USS Spruance fired on and neutralized the cargo ship Touska, accusing it of attempting to breach the US-imposed blockade. US Marines deployed from the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli subsequently secured the Iranian cargo ship.

Analysts suggest the ship’s continued movement, despite warnings from US military vessels, indicates the cargo may be of high priority for Iran. Some experts also note that the route through Southeast Asia, particularly the area near the Singapore Strait, is often used for maritime cargo exchanges between ships.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the US “forcibly seizing” the Iranian cargo ship, calling on all parties to abide by the ceasefire agreement and act responsibly.