The United States has handed over 22 crew members of the seized Iranian container vessel MV Touska to Pakistan, which is now facilitating their return to Iran.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the crew members were flown into the country overnight and will be handed over to Iranian authorities. It described the move as a confidence-building measure and said the process was being coordinated with the support of both the US and Iran.
The Foreign Office also said the ship will be moved back to Pakistani territorial waters after necessary repairs before being returned to its original owners.
US Central Command separately confirmed the transfer, saying American forces had completed the handover of the 22 crew members to Pakistan for repatriation.
It also said six other individuals linked to the vessel had already been sent to another country in the region last week. Iranian media later identified them as family members of some of the crew.
The MV Touska was seized by US forces in April after Washington said the vessel ignored repeated warnings and refused to alter its course near the Strait of Hormuz. The ship was later boarded in the Gulf of Oman, further escalating tensions between the US and Iran.
Pakistan said it welcomed the transfer and would continue to support diplomacy and mediation efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the region.
The development also came as Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on the regional situation, with both sides discussing diplomatic efforts and the need for dialogue to ensure long-term stability.