Seized Iranian Ships chemical-laden? Nikki Haley claims China helping Iran in West Asia war
PTC News Desk: Indian-origin member of US President Donald Trump's Republican Party Nikki Haley claimed that the first Iranian Ship seized by the American Navy in the Strait of Hormuz during the blockade was travelling from China and carried chemical shipments for missiles.
"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," Haley said in a post on X.
She also claimed that China is extending assistance to Iran in war is a reality that can no longer be ignored.
"Another reminder that China is helping prop up Iran's regime – a reality that can't be ignored," Haley added.
United States forces have taken control of the Iranian-flagged container ship Touska. The vessel, linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines—a group under US sanctions—was boarded on Sunday near Iran’s Chabahar Port in the Gulf of Oman, according to ship-tracking data.
Iran’s military said the ship was coming from China and accused the US of “armed piracy.” Tehran also stated it would not take part in the next round of talks with the US in Islamabad until the blockade is lifted.
Iranian officials warned they are prepared to respond to what they called “blatant aggression,” but said their actions are limited because the crew members’ families are on board. The US had imposed sanctions on IRISL in 2019, alleging the company was involved in transporting materials linked to Iran’s ballistic missile programme.
- With inputs from agencies
