Trump questions China–Iran alignment after U.S. seizes suspected missile-linked cargo ship

ALBAWABA- U.S. President Donald Trump said he was surprised by what he described as China’s growing alignment with Iran, suggesting that Washington had previously believed there was a better understanding with Beijing.

Speaking to CNBC, Trump claimed he expected a more cooperative stance from China, but said he was taken aback by its continued support for Iran. He referred to what he called “China’s gift to Tehran,” a remark tied to a recent maritime seizure involving a vessel allegedly carrying restricted materials.

His comments come amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where the United States has increased naval activity over concerns about Iranian shipping routes and sanctions evasion.

According to U.S. officials cited by Fox News on April 12, the detained vessel, identified as Touska, was traveling from the Malaysian port of Klang toward Iran’s Bandar Abbas after making stops in southern China, including Zhuhai. The ship was intercepted in the Gulf of Oman after allegedly ignoring repeated U.S. warnings to change course.

Officials said the vessel received multiple orders over six hours to halt. When it failed to comply, the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Spruance reportedly disabled its propulsion system before Marines boarded the ship and took control without resistance.

Iran described the incident as a serious violation of international law, accusing the United States of breaching a ceasefire framework and engaging in what it called an act of aggression with “hallmarks of piracy.” Tehran warned that such actions risk endangering international navigation and undermining maritime safety and security in the region.

In a formal letter addressed to the UN Secretary-General and the UN Security Council, Iran called for an unequivocal condemnation of the incident, accountability for those responsible, and the immediate and unconditional release of the vessel, its crew, and all individuals affected.

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley later claimed on social media that the cargo included chemical materials linked to missile production, alleging the shipment originated in China and was bound for Iran.

Washington is currently analysing the seized cargo, which officials say may contain dual-use materials with both civilian and military applications. The vessel’s repeated stops in Chinese ports and its route through Southeast Asia reflect patterns often used to obscure the origin of sensitive shipments.