The United States seized an Iranian-flagged vessel in the Arabian Sea, citing sanctions dating back to 2020 under Donald Trump. Reports suggest the ship may have carried Chinese-linked materials potentially usable in Iran’s missile programme. The dramatic six-hour operation by US forces has escalated tensions, with Iran calling it a ceasefire violation. As both sides head to Islamabad for talks, the Strait of Hormuz blockade and China’s alleged role could push the crisis toward a major geopolitical flashpoint.