US Navy Guided Missile Destroyer USS Spruance Disables and Seizes Iranian Cargo Ship in Arabian Sea

USS Spruance disables Iranian cargo ship with gunfire after 6-hour standoff in Arabian Sea, marking a major escalation in the 2026 naval blockade.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 20, 2026, 3:09 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Times of Israel

Strategic Interception in the North Arabian Sea

United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Monday that the Arleigh Burke, class guided, missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) intercepted the M/V Touska as it attempted to navigate toward the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas. The vessel was traveling at a speed of 17 knots when it was hailed by American forces, who identified the ship as being in direct violation of the maritime blockade Washington has maintained around Iranian ports since mid, April. This engagement marks the first instance of direct military force used to enforce the current blockade, which was established following the collapse of diplomatic negotiations in Islamabad earlier this month.

Six Hour Standoff Leads to Disabling Fire

According to official military statements, the encounter began with a series of verbal warnings and directives issued over a six, hour period. Despite these repeated communications, the crew of the Touska, an Iranian, flagged vessel roughly 900 feet in length, refused to alter its course or slow its engines. In response to the continued non, compliance, the USS Spruance directed the cargo ship’s crew to evacuate their engine room immediately. Following the evacuation order, the destroyer utilized its 5, inch MK 45 naval gun to fire several rounds into the Touska’s propulsion system, successfully disabling the vessel without causing total destruction or sinking the ship.

Marine Expeditionary Unit Executes Boarding Operation

Once the cargo vessel was immobilized, U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted a boarding operation to take control of the ship. Tactical footage released by CENTCOM shows Marines departing from the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli via helicopter and rappelling onto the deck of the Touska. The military described the boarding as a professional and proportional measure intended to ensure the integrity of the blockade. The vessel, which is reportedly under U.S. Treasury sanctions due to a history of illicit activity, was taken into full custody and is currently being inspected for prohibited cargo.