U.S. seizes Iranian cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz : NPR

Key Points:

• The U.S. Navy seized the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska in the Strait of Hormuz after firing on its engine room, with U.S. Marines taking custody amid claims of prior illegal activity and sanctions.
• Iran has re-closed the Strait of Hormuz, restricting passage as long as the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports continues, escalating tensions in a waterway critical for global oil and gas transport.
• India condemned attacks on its flagged vessels in the strait, summoning Iran’s ambassador and urging safe passage, while reports also emerged of Iranian gunboats firing on a tanker during a brief reopening.
• The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon remains fragile after the deaths of a French peacekeeper and two Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon, with ongoing conflict involving Hezbollah and significant casualties and displacement in Lebanon.
• U.S. officials, including Vice President Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff, are heading to Pakistan for talks with Iran aimed at ending the war, though Iran has declined to participate citing U.S. demands and the ongoing naval blockade.