Iran-US Ship War Scorecard: TOUSKA vs. MSC Francesca — Who Controls Hormuz?

# Iran-US Ship War Scorecard: TOUSKA vs. MSC Francesca — Who Controls Hormuz?

> **Quick answer:** Both sides have now seized each other's vessels. The US took the Iranian-flagged TOUSKA on April 19 after Marines rappelled aboard following a six-hour standoff. Iran responded April 22 by seizing the MSC Francesca (claimed to be Israel-linked) and the Epaminondas in the Strait of Hormuz. Neither side has harmed crew members, but Lloyd's war risk premiums have surged tenfold and over 750 vessels remain stranded in the Persian Gulf. This is the first fully reciprocal ship seizure standoff since the 1980s Tanker War.

The Iran-US confrontation at the Strait of Hormuz has entered a new phase. The Iran US ship seizure scorecard now reads: one vessel held by Washington, two held by Tehran — and a third ship, the Euphoria, fired on and stranded on Iran's coast. A naval blockade, a ceasefire extension, and a second round of peace talks on hold all exist simultaneously, which is either a diplomatic holding pattern or a slow-motion escalation. Analysts are divided on which.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personal financial decisions.

## The TOUSKA Seizure: April 19 — America Fires First

The USS Spruance intercepted the Iranian-flagged cargo vessel M/V TOUSKA in the north Arabian Sea on April 19, 2026. After the crew failed to comply with repeated warnings during a six-hour standoff, the Spruance fired several rounds from its 5-inch MK 45 gun directly into the engine room — after CENTCOM ordered the crew to evacuate the compartment first.