Iran cargo ship seized by US could become ‘spoils of war’

Iran Cargo Ship Seized by US Could Become ‘Spoils of War’

The U.S. followed through on its warning to intercept any vessel bypassing its maritime restrictions on Sunday, with military footage revealing a guided-missile destroyer targeting the Iran-linked M/V Touska. After disabling the container ship, U.S. Marines were seen descending from helicopters to board it. The incident occurred amid ongoing discussions about potential peace talks with Iran, though the nation has not yet confirmed its participation.

According to the U.S. Central Command, the USS Spruance had been monitoring the Touska for six hours before engaging it. The ship was heading toward Bandar Abbas, Iran, in the Arabian Sea. MarineTraffic.com reported that the Touska’s final stop was Port Klang, Malaysia, on April 12, prior to its movements between Zhuhai, China, and Iranian ports. The vessel is registered to the Mosakhar Darya Shipping Co, based in Tehran, and has been under sanctions since 2018. Its owner and associated companies have faced penalties as early as 2012.

The USS Spruance, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, is a key component of the U.S. naval fleet. Equipped with a 5-inch gun capable of targeting ships, aircraft, and land sites, the ship can fire 16 to 20 rounds per minute. First deployed in 1971, the Mark 45 gun has a 15-mile range with standard ammunition. The Spruance, displacing around 9,000 tons, is 500 feet long and crewed by 329 personnel. It currently operates as part of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, based in San Diego.

Centcom stated the Spruance fired “several rounds” at the Touska, which was ordered to evacuate its engine room. A video from the Navy shows the ship launching three shots at the target. Analyst Carl Schuster, a former U.S. Navy captain, noted that at least two hits would likely be needed to disable the Touska’s diesel engine. He suggested the vessel would need to be towed afterward. “The ship will be taken to an anchorage or port for inspection or valuation,” Schuster added.

“Under the laws of naval warfare, a vessel that attempts to bypass a blockade can be seized,” said Jennifer Parker, a nonresident fellow at the Lowy Institute and former Royal Australian Navy officer. “If the U.S. keeps it long-term, it would require a prize court to formalize its claim.”

The crew’s fate depends on their nationality. Parker speculated that Indian or Filipino sailors would be released and sent back to their countries. However, if the crew were Iranian, they might be detained or even held as prisoners of war, especially if members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were aboard. The Touska’s cargo, which could influence its status as a war prize, remains to be determined.

Analysts suggest the incident could escalate tensions, testing the viability of the recent Iran ceasefire. The ship’s capture marks a significant move in the ongoing conflict, potentially setting a precedent for future actions.