"Helicopter Raid": US Marines Seize Iranian Ship as CENTCOM Footage Shows 27 Vessels Forced Back Under Total Blockade

US Central Command (CENTCOM) released dramatic footage on Monday, April 20, 2026, showing Marines fast-roping from helicopters based on the USS Tripoli (LHA-7) to seize the Iranian vessel M/V Touska after it defied blockade orders. Since the siege began, 27 ships have been forced to turn back or reroute to Iranian ports as the US Navy tightens its grip on the region's waters.

Truce in Jeopardy:

Tehran reacted with fury, labeling the seizure an act of war and announcing it will no longer send a delegation to the second round of peace talks in Islamabad. Shipping data shows the Strait of Hormuz has slowed to a crawl, with only one vessel exiting in 12 hours compared to the usual 130. President Donald Trump reaffirmed that the maritime "noose" will remain until a "real deal" is signed.