Nikki Haley Claims Seized Iran-Bound Ship Carried Missile-Linked Chemicals From China

Nikki Haley, an Indian-origin member of Republican Party led by US President Donald Trump, has claimed that the first Iranian ship seized by the American Navy in the Strait of Hormuz following the US blockade was carrying chemical shipments linked to missile development.

In a post on X, Haley, a former Republican Presidential candidate, wrote, "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,” she added.

Further elaborating on Beijing’s role, Haley said, "Another reminder that China is helping prop up Iran’s regime—a reality that can’t be ignored."

US forces seized the Iranian-flagged container ship Touska. According to ship tracking data from Marine Traffic, the vessel was boarded on April 19 near Iran’s Chabahar Port in the Gulf of Oman.

Why Did Iran Call the US Seizure of Its Ship ‘Armed Piracy’?

Iran’s military stated that the ship, part of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines group, had been travelling from China and accused the United States of "armed piracy".

Tehran has also hinted that it will not send a delegation to Islamabad for the next round of talks unless Washington agrees to lift the blockade.

Iranian officials said they were prepared to confront US forces over what they described as "blatant aggression", but noted that their response was constrained due to the presence of crew members’ families on board.

A Reuters report citing US sources said early assessments suggested the vessel may have been carrying dual use materials, which can be used for both civilian and military purposes.

The sources did not specify the items, though US Central Command has previously listed metals, pipes and electronic components among goods that could have both military and industrial applications.

Washington imposed sanctions on IRISL in late 2019, describing it as "the preferred shipping line for Iranian proliferators and procurement agents", including for transporting items linked to Iran’s ballistic missile programme.

Haley’s remarks come days after Trump threatened China with a 50 percent immediate tariff, following a CNN report citing US intelligence that Beijing may be assisting Tehran in its conflict with Washington.