Trump Raises Concerns Over China’s Role After Seizure of Iran-Linked Vessel

The U.S. president pointed to a ‘gift from China’ aboard the intercepted ship, as some warn Beijing may be aiding Tehran’s military supply chain.

U.S forces patrol near the Iranian-flagged cargo ship M/V Touska after it was boarded and seized by U.S. forces, at a location given as the Arabian Sea, in this handout image released April 20, 2026. U.S. Central Command via X/Handout via Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump has raised new concerns about Beijing’s possible role in supporting Tehran, pointing to a recently intercepted vessel he described as carrying a “gift from China.”

Speaking in an interview with CNBC on April 21, Trump said the U.S. military had seized a ship with suspicious cargo, although he did not identify the vessel.