Washington, DC: America has now come up with yet another reason for seizing an Iranian cargo vessel close to the Strait of Hormuz.
The country’s Republican leader Nikki Haley alleged on Tuesday that the vessel was en route from China to Iran, carrying chemicals linked to missile development.
“The ship the US seized in the Strait of Hormuz this weekend was headed from China to Iran and is linked to chemical shipments for missiles. It refused repeated orders to stop,” Haley posted on X, as reported by News18.
The possibility of China offering military backing to Iran is now a serious concern, the former UN ambassador said, adding: “Another reminder th
at China is helping prop up Iran’s regime-a reality that can’t be ignored.”
Washington’s naval blockade in the region and the capture of the Iranian vessel MV Touska have become a major obstacle ahead of the second round of peace talks in Islamabad. Iranian officials were initially reluctant to participate in the negotiations unless the blockade is lifted, but agreed to do so later.
Tehran has strongly condemned the seizure of the ship, calling it “armed piracy” and warning of retaliation.
With the current ceasefire between the two sides set to expire on Wednesday, all eyes are on the talks in Islamabad.
Analyst and former US Navy captain Carl Schuster said the seized cargo could be considered “spoils of war,” noting that crew members may be detained and any IRGC personnel treated as prisoners of war.
The MV Touska, intercepted in the Gulf of Oman, is part of a fleet that frequently travels to China and has been suspected of transporting materials tied to Iran’s ballistic missile programme, Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal has reported.