What is the fate of the Iranian ship detained by the US Navy?

SadaNews - A US military official discussed the fate of the Iranian cargo ship that was seized by the US Navy amid a blockade of Iranian ports.

According to the American newspaper "The New York Times," the official reported that an inspection team from the 31st Marine Unit was conducting an inspection of the ship and its cargo on Sunday, stating that it is now under US detention.

The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, explained that the US forces would determine the appropriate actions regarding the disabled ship as soon as the inspection is completed.

Experts noted that one of the options on the table is to tow the distressed ship to the Sultanate of Oman.

The US military official stated that the ship "Tosca," which was flying the Iranian flag, is one of "several ships of interest" being monitored by US intelligence analysts in recent days, both inside and outside the blockade's boundaries.

Earlier, US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that US forces operating in the Arabian Sea had imposed maritime blockade measures on an Iranian-flagged cargo ship that was attempting to sail towards an Iranian port on Sunday.

It added: "The guided missile destroyer (USS Spruance) intercepted the vessel (MV Tosca) while it was transiting north in the Arabian Sea at a speed of 17 knots, heading to Bandar Abbas in Iran."

CENTCOM stated that US forces "issued several warnings and informed the Iranian ship that it was in violation of the US blockade."

According to the US military's account, "after the crew of (Tosca) refused to comply with repeated warnings over a period of 6 hours, the (Spruance) destroyer ordered the ship to evacuate its engine room, then the (Spruance) disabled the propulsion system of (Tosca) by firing several rounds from a 5-inch gun at the engine room of (Tosca)."

CENTCOM also reported that US Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit subsequently boarded the Iranian ship.

CENTCOM concluded its statement by saying: "US forces acted in a deliberate, professional, and proportionate manner to ensure compliance. Since the beginning of the blockade, US forces have directed 25 commercial vessels to return or change course to an Iranian port."

The Central Command published a video showing the moment of firing at the Iranian ship after it was warned.