Pakistan to return crew of US-seized Iranian vessel to Tehran
Pakistan announced it will hand over 22 crew members from the Iranian vessel M/V Touska—seized by US forces on April 19—to Tehran on Monday. Islamabad called the move a “confidence-building measure” amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel will be towed to Pakistani waters for repairs before being returned.
Pakistan confirmed on Monday that it will repatriate the 22 crew members of an Iranian vessel seized by US naval forces, describing the handover as a “confidence-building measure” amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Islamabad “welcomes such confidence-building measures and will continue to facilitate dialogue and diplomacy while pursuing ongoing mediation efforts for regional peace and security,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The ministry added that the Iranian vessel will be moved to Pakistani territorial waters for “necessary repairs” before being returned to its owners.
Seizure and transfer
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Sunday that US forces had transferred the 22 crew members from the M/V Touska to Pakistan for repatriation. US naval forces seized the vessel on April 19 in the Gulf of Oman after it reportedly failed to comply with a US naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports. Six additional passengers had already been transferred to another regional country for repatriation last week, according to CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins. “These returns are being coordinated with the support of both the Iranian and US sides,” the Pakistani ministry added.
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