The Chinese vessel seized by the United States in Strait of Hormuz was headed to Iran to help “prop-up” the regime, claimed American politician Nikki Hailey on Tuesday. China, however, denied the claim and said that the ship seized was a “foreign container” vessel.“The ship the US seized in the Strait of Hormuz this weekend was headed from China to Iran and is linked to chemical shipments for missiles. It refused repeated orders to stop,” Hailey said in a post on X.“Another reminder that China is helping prop up Iran’s regime—a reality that can’t be ignored,” she added.Denying this, China said, “The vessel seized by the U.S. is a foreign container ship. China rejects any false association and speculation.”This comes as US has blocked the strait as US-Iran talks remain in limbo. A US naval operation in the Gulf of Oman intercepted the Iranian-flagged cargo vessel. Maritime security sources cited by Reuters said early assessments suggest the ship may be carrying “dual-use” materials—items such as metals, pipes, and electronic components that can serve both civilian and military purposes.The vessel, identified as the Touska and linked to the sanctioned Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, was boarded by US forces on Sunday near Iran’s Chabahar port. According to MarineTraffic data, it had last transmitted its position at 1308 GMT. US Central Command said the ship was halted after failing to respond to repeated warnings over six hours and was operating in breach of a US-enforced blockade.Iran strongly condemned the action, calling it “armed piracy” and stated the vessel was en route from China, while warning of possible retaliation despite concerns over civilians onboard. China also reacted, urging restraint and calling on all parties to avoid escalation and respect the ceasefire.
