The United States has intercepted and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf, President Donald Trump announced, saying the vessel failed to respond to warnings to stop during an ongoing naval blockade. Trump said the ship, named Touska, was disabled after a United States Navy vessel fired at it, and that it is now in full United States custody. Iran has not publicly commented on the seizure.

The incident comes as Washington prepares for a possible second round of talks aimed at ending weeks of conflict that began with strikes by the United States and Israel on 28 February. Vice President JD Vance is expected to lead a delegation to Pakistan for negotiations, although Iranian state media has denied that Tehran will participate while the naval blockade remains in place.

Tensions remain high over Iran's nuclear programme and control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route that has been closed amid the standoff. Shipping traffic through the strait has dropped sharply, driving up global energy prices. Both sides have accused each other of violating a temporary truce, and Trump has warned of further strikes if a deal is not reached before the ceasefire expires.