Touska Cargo Ship Seized by US Was Carrying Chemicals from China for Iranian Ballistic Missiles
Published on Reflecto News | World News | Defense & Geopolitics
The Iranian cargo ship M/V Touska, which was intercepted and seized by US forces in the Gulf of Oman on April 19, 2026, was carrying chemicals from China used to manufacture solid rocket fuel for ballistic missiles, according to US officials and maritime analysts . The vessel, which had loaded its cargo at the Port of Gaolan in Zhuhai, China, was attempting to breach the US naval blockade of Iranian ports when it was disabled and boarded by US Marines .
The Ship and Its Sanctioned Owner
The Touska, an Iranian-flagged container vessel, is owned by the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) — a conglomerate that has been under US sanctions since 2019 for its role in transporting materials for Tehran’s ballistic missile program . The ship is part of a fleet that has been frequently linked to Chinese ports and suspected supply routes .
| Ship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | M/V Touska |
| Owner | IRISL (sanctioned by US, UK, EU) |
| Operator | Rahbaran Omid Darya (IRISL subsidiary) |
| Cargo Capacity | ~4,800 containers |
| Route | China → Malaysia → Gulf of Oman → Iran |
What the Ship Was Carrying
The Touska was loaded at the Port of Gaolan in Zhuhai, China — a facility known for handling chemicals, including sodium perchlorate, a key precursor to solid rocket fuel that Iran needs for its missile program . The Wall Street Journal reports that the same subsidiary (Rahbaran Omid Darya) used two other container ships in 2025 to transport 1,000 tons of solid propellant ingredients for medium-range Iranian missiles from China .
“The port of Gaolan is located in Zhuhai on China’s southeastern coast. Experts say this is a well-known port for loading chemicals, including sodium perchlorate, a key precursor to solid rocket fuel, which Iran needs for its missile program.” — Reuters/The Washington Post via RBC-Ukraine
While US officials have not publicly disclosed the exact cargo found aboard the Touska, analysts noted that the ship’s attempt to run an active naval blockade suggests the cargo was highly valuable. “It must have been worth the risk to try to run the blockade, but they chose poorly,” Charlie Brown, a former US Navy officer and senior advisor at United Against Nuclear Iran, told The Wall Street Journal .
The Seizure Operation
The Touska was intercepted by the USS Spruance (DDG-111) , a guided-missile destroyer, in the Gulf of Oman as it attempted to breach the US blockade of Iranian ports . According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the vessel failed to comply with repeated warnings over a six-hour period .
| Event | Description |
|---|---|
| Interception | USS Spruance intercepted Touska in Gulf of Oman |
| Warnings | Multiple warnings issued over 6 hours; crew refused to comply |
| Disabling | Ship’s engine room was disabled by 5-inch MK 45 gunfire |
| Boarding | Marines from USS Tripoli rappelled onto the vessel |
| Current Status | Ship under US control; cargo being inspected |
President Donald Trump confirmed the operation on Truth Social, stating: “The US Navy Guided Missile Destroyer USS SPRUANCE intercepted the TOUSKA in the Gulf of Oman, and gave them fair warning to stop. The Iranian crew refused to listen, so our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engine room. Right now, US Marines have custody of the vessel” .
China’s Response
China has expressed “concern” over the US seizure of the Iranian-flagged vessel. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun called on all parties to avoid further escalation and “create the necessary conditions for normal transit through the strait to resume” .
However, when asked specifically about the nature of the cargo loaded at Chinese ports, Guo did not respond . Beijing has maintained that it does not supply arms to Iran and enforces controls on dual-use goods, but it does not recognize US sanctions on Tehran .
Impact on Peace Talks
The seizure of the Touska has further strained already fragile ceasefire negotiations between the US and Iran. Iran has denounced the operation as “armed piracy” and a violation of the two-week ceasefire . The incident reportedly contributed to Iran’s reluctance to send a delegation to Islamabad for a second round of peace talks .
The ceasefire, which took effect on April 7, is set to expire on April 22, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was the Touska carrying?
The Touska was carrying chemicals — specifically sodium perchlorate — from the Chinese port of Gaolan in Zhuhai. Sodium perchlorate is a key precursor to solid rocket fuel used in ballistic missiles .
2. Who owns the Touska?
The Touska is owned by the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), a sanctioned Iranian conglomerate accused by the US of transporting materials for Tehran’s ballistic missile program .
3. How was the ship seized?
The USS Spruance disabled the ship’s engine with gunfire after the crew ignored warnings for six hours. Marines then boarded and took control of the vessel .
4. Has China commented on the seizure?
China expressed “concern” over the US action and called for restraint, but Chinese officials declined to answer questions about the cargo loaded at Chinese ports .
5. Is the ceasefire still in effect?
The two-week ceasefire is set to expire on April 22, 2026. The seizure has strained diplomatic efforts and reportedly contributed to Iran’s reluctance to continue peace talks .
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