U.S. guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance tracking the TOUSKA attempting to break through a blockade near the Strait of Hormuz. [Photo: Fox News]

Amid the U.S. Navy's surprise seizure of the cargo ship 'TOUSKA,' belonging to Iran's state-owned shipping company, in the Gulf of Oman, revelations that the vessel repeatedly docked at Chinese ports before its capture are expected to cause repercussions.

U.S. intelligence agencies are particularly focused on the possibility that the ship was carrying 'dual-use' cargo, usable for both civilian and military purposes.

Seized After 6-Hour Standoff... "No Compromise"

According to a compilation of reports from Fox News and Reuters, the U.S. guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance issued a stop order on the TOUSKA on the 19th (local time) as it attempted to break through a blockade near the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian crew members ignored warnings and resisted for approximately 6 hours, but the U.S. Navy disabled the TOUSKA's engine room with precise fire from its 5-inch cannons.

Subsequently, U.S. Marines from the USS Tripoli boarded the vessel and secured control. President Trump had previously declared a firm commitment to enforcing sanctions against vessels violating blockade orders.

Maritime data analysis indicates that the TOUSKA's recent trajectory followed a typical 'sanctions evasion route.' Notably, it docked multiple times at the port of Zhuhai in southern China for six weeks prior to its seizure.

It then proceeded through Southeast Asia and called at the port of Klang, Malaysia. It was revealed to have passed near the Singapore Strait, an area with frequent ship-to-ship transfers. The vessel was seized on the 12th while en route from Malaysia to Bandar Abbas, Iran.

Experts believe this route is likely a 'shadow route' for importing key components needed for Iran's missile and weapons programs from China.

What is the 'Nuclear Bomb-Level' Cargo? Search Underway for Dual-Use Items

U.S. military authorities are currently conducting a detailed search of the cargo aboard the TOUSKA. If dual-use items related to China-made advanced weapons components, air defense systems, or nuclear development are discovered, beyond simple commercial transactions, it is expected to have a 'nuclear bomb-level' impact on U.S.-China relations and the Middle East situation.

U.S. military personnel monitoring the Strait of Hormuz. [Photo: Reuters]

Ray Powell, Director of the SeaLight initiative, analyzed that "the fact that the Iranian vessel aggressively attempted to pass through an area with active U.S. Navy presence is evidence that it was carrying high-value cargo essential to Iran."

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly criticized the seizure, stating that it "exacerbates a sensitive and complex situation." However, the U.S. intends to completely cut off Iran's military supply lines as part of Operation 'Epic Fury.'

If illegal military materials originating from China are officially confirmed during this search, pressure on China and Iran is expected to reach its peak under the Trump administration's 'America First' policy.

Reporter Lim Yo-hee