Iranian ship seized by US likely contained dual-use items — sources

LONDON — The Iranian-flagged container ship Touska, which was boarded and seized by US forces on Sunday, is likely to have what Washington deems dual-use items that could be used by the military on board, maritime security sources say.

The small container ship, which is part of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) group that has been hit with US sanctions, was boarded on Sunday off the coast of Iran’s Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman and last reported its position at 1308 GMT, according to ship-tracking data on the Marine Traffic platform.

The US Central Command said Touska’s crew failed to comply with repeated warnings over a six-hour period, and that the vessel was in violation of a US blockade.

The security sources, who declined to be identified, say their initial assessments were that the vessel was likely to be carrying dual-use items after a voyage from Asia.

The vessel had previously transported items deemed as dual-use, one of the sources says.

The sources do not go into details on the items. US Central Command has listed metals, pipes, and electronic components among other goods that could have a military as well as an industrial use and could be captured.

Iran’s foreign ministry says US forces attacked an Iranian commercial vessel, the Touska, near its coast, condemning the incident as “unlawful and a violation” of international law, according to Iranian media.

Iran demanded the immediate release of the vessel, its sailors and their families, the ministry says, adding that the incident breached a ceasefire agreed this month and warning that Washington would be responsible for any further escalation.

U.S. forces patrol the Arabian Sea near M/V Touska, April 20, as the Iranian-flagged vessel's container cargo is searched after U.S. Marines boarded and seized the ship when it attempted to violate the U.S. naval blockade. pic.twitter.com/Czs127lK6p

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 20, 2026