INTERNATIONAL — April 20, 2026
Iran Launches Drones at U.S. Warships Following Seizure of Iranian Commercial Vessel
Reports say Iran launched drones at U.S. warships in the Sea of Oman after U.S. forces seized an Iranian commercial vessel. Iran accused Washington of violating a ceasefire and maritime piracy, vowing to retaliate and refusing talks until the blockade is lifted, with no reported casualties.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with RTA — corroborated by Khaama Press, Amu TV and Hurriyat — 2 min read

Tensions in the Sea of Oman have risen after reports that Iran launched drones at U.S. warships in retaliation for the American seizure of an Iranian commercial ship.
The reports, which cite Al Jazeera, state that Iranian forces targeted the warships following the U.S. operation against the vessel that was attempting to break a naval blockade. No information has been released so far regarding any damage, impacts or casualties from the drone attack.
The Iranian government has strongly protested the U.S. move. Officials from Iran have labeled the incident as a clear violation of an existing ceasefire and an example of maritime piracy. A military spokesman identified as Ebrahim Zulfaqari from the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters stated that Iran would respond to this 'maritime theft' in the near future.
Beyond the immediate military response, Iran has declared it will boycott the second round of negotiations scheduled to take place in Islamabad. The condition for Iran's participation is the lifting of the blockade on its sea ports by the United States.
This position comes amid stalled talks, with Iran pointing to unreasonable demands from the U.S. side. Separately, it was reported that President Donald Trump has directed U.S. negotiators to proceed to Pakistan ahead of the expiration of the current ceasefire.
Some of the reports added that the seized Iranian ship had been on a return journey from China when it was intercepted.
The series of events underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the potential for further escalation between the two nations.
Read the original reporting at RTA →
Reliability assessment
Four Afghan media outlets corroborate the core event of a US seizure/attack on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Sea of Oman and Iran's subsequent response/threat of retaliation, with three explicitly reporting a drone launch toward US warships. Sources cite Al Jazeera and named Iranian officials (including a military spokesman in RTA). While details such as exact Iranian actions (drones launched vs. warning) and casualty figures vary, the underlying incident is consistently reported across multiple outlets; differing details do not undermine the reliability of the core event per guidelines.
The source language reads straight.
Across the newsrooms
Where reports agree
- US forces seized or attacked an Iranian commercial ship in the Sea of Oman
- Iran condemned the US action as a ceasefire violation and maritime piracy
- Iran has vowed retaliation and is currently unwilling to engage in negotiations with the US while the blockade continues
- The incident is escalating tensions in the region ahead of a two-week ceasefire deadline
- Reports primarily draw from Al Jazeera and Iranian official statements
Where reports differ
- Three sources report that Iran has already launched drones at US warships (citing Al Jazeera), while RTA only reports an Iranian military headquarters warning of imminent retaliation without mentioning any drone attack
- Slight variations in terminology (Sea of Oman vs. Gulf of Oman) and additional details such as the ship returning from China or specific Iranian headquarters quoted
- Only some sources mention Trump's statements on the seizure and his order for negotiators to travel to Pakistan for talks in Islamabad
Filed by 4 outlets
RTA
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Khaama Press
Reported straight
Reported straight
Amu TV
Reported straight
Reported straight
Hurriyat
Reported straight
Reported straight
Filed under
International — Iran, United States, Donald Trump, Sea of Oman, US-Iran tensions
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