Tensions escalated sharply on Sunday after a United States Navy destroyer opened fire on an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman.

The U.S. alleges the vessel was attempting to bypass an active naval blockade, a move that has prompted a swift vow of retaliation from Tehran.

Iranian Military Warning
A spokesperson for Khatam al-Anbiya, the central command center of the Iranian Armed Forces, issued a stern warning following the encounter.

"We warn that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon respond and take revenge against this act of armed piracy and the U.S. military," the spokesperson stated.

The official further accused the United States of violating a ceasefire agreement that has been in place since April 8.

The U.S. Position
U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the incident on Sunday via a post on Truth Social.

According to the President, the Iranian vessel ignored repeated warnings to stop.

In response, the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance fired upon the ship, targeting the engine room to disable the vessel.

President Trump confirmed that the ship is currently in the custody of U.S. Marines, who are conducting an inspection of its cargo.

The incident marks a significant flare-up in regional maritime security, as both nations remain at a standoff over trade routes and economic sanctions.
Source: AFP