Trump Says US Fired on Iranian Cargo Ship Near Strait of Hormuz Ahead of April 20 Talks

Donald Trump stepped up pressure on Iran ahead of the end of a ceasefire, saying US forces fired on an Iranian cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, however, has said it will not negotiate unless the US lifts its naval blockade, leaving it unclear whether talks scheduled for April 20 will go ahead.

In a Truth Social post on April 19, Trump said the US stopped an Iranian cargo ship attempting to break the American naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz and had taken control of it. He also wrote that there was "a hole in the engine room of the Iranian cargo ship," indicating the US Navy fired on the vessel and seized it.

Trump also said that if no agreement is reached this time, "I will no longer play nice." The US made "a very fair and reasonable offer, and we hope they accept it," he said. If not, he added, "the United States will take down all of Iran's power plants and bridges. They will come down instantly, easily."