ISLAMABAD, May 4: The United States has transferred 22 crew members from a seized Iranian-flagged vessel to Pakistan, where they will be handed over to Iranian authorities, Islamabad said on Monday, framing the move as part of efforts to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran.
The crew were evacuated from the container ship Touska, linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), after it was intercepted by U.S. forces last month near Iran’s Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman. U.S. Central Command said the vessel failed to respond to repeated warnings and was operating in violation of a maritime blockade.
Crew handover and vessel return plan
Pakistan’s foreign ministry confirmed that the crew will be repatriated to Iran, while the ship will be moved into Pakistani waters for repairs before being returned to its owners. Officials described the transfer as a “confidence-building measure” amid ongoing regional tensions.
Iran has condemned the seizure as illegal and a violation of international law, demanding the release of both the vessel and its crew. The incident is part of a broader pattern of maritime confrontations between the United States and Iran in recent months.
Ongoing tensions despite ceasefire
Although both countries agreed to a ceasefire four weeks ago following hostilities that began in February, naval incidents and vessel seizures have continued, highlighting the fragile nature of the truce.
Pakistan recently hosted talks aimed at reducing tensions between the two sides, but no formal agreement has been reached so far.
Also read: US-Iran ceasefire at risk after ship seizure as Iran rules out further talks
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