On the 19th (local time), a claim emerged that the Iranian cargo ship "Touska," seized by the U.S. military in the Gulf of Oman, was carrying materials used to produce missiles.
On the 20th, Reuters, citing maritime security sources, reported, "There is a high possibility that the Touska is carrying dual-use items that can be used for military purposes," adding, "this vessel has previously transported goods considered dual use."
The sources did not disclose specifics about the items loaded on the Touska. The U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, has listed metals, pipes, and electronic components—items that can be used for both military and industrial purposes—as subject to seizure.
An analysis of Automatic Identification System (AIS) data from shipping information firm Kpler showed that the Touska had departed Gaolan Port in Zhuhai, southeastern China, and was en route to Iran. Gaolan Port is known as a loading site for chemicals such as sodium perchlorate, a key substance in solid rocket fuel.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) also said, "The Touska seized by the U.S. military frequently called at Chinese ports and has a history of operating in waters where illicit ship-to-ship transfers occur," adding, "China has previously supplied chemicals needed for Iran's ballistic missile program."
Regarding this, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley said on X, "The ship seized by the United States in the Strait of Hormuz is tied to transporting missile-related chemicals," adding, "this once again shows that China is propping up the Iranian regime."