Seized Iranian ship likely carrying equipment deemed dual-use by US, sources say
The Iranian-flagged container ship Touska, which was boarded and seized by US forces on Sunday, is likely to have what Washington deems dual-use items that could be used by the military onboard, maritime security sources said on Monday.
The small container ship, which is part of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) group that has been hit with US sanctions, was boarded on Sunday off the coast of Iran's Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman.
The security sources, who declined to be identified, said their initial assessments were the vessel was likely to be carrying dual-use items after a voyage from Asia.
The vessel had previously transported items deemed as dual-use, one of the sources said.
The sources did not go into details on the items. US Central Command has listed metals, pipes and electronic components among other goods that could have a military as well as an industrial use and could be captured.
US forces patrol near the Iranian-flagged cargo ship M/V Touska after it was boarded and seized by US forces on Sunday, at a location given as the Arabian Sea, in this handout image released 20 April, 2026. (Reuters)