Pakistan receives 22 Iranian crew from seized ship under US “confidence-building measure”

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office Pakistan on Monday confirmed that 22 Iranian crew members from the seized container vessel MV Touska have been evacuated to Pakistan and will be handed over to Tehran as part of a “confidence-building measure” by the United States.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the crew had been flown into Pakistan overnight and arrangements were in place for their repatriation later in the day.

The development follows confirmation from United States Central Command that its forces had intercepted the Iranian vessel last month near Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman, alleging it attempted to breach a US naval blockade and failed to comply with repeated warnings.

The ship, linked to Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, had been under US sanctions. Six additional individuals, identified by Iranian media as relatives of the crew, were earlier transferred to another regional country.

Pakistan also confirmed that the vessel would be returned to its original owners after undergoing necessary repairs, with the process being coordinated with both Washington and Tehran.

Iran had earlier condemned the seizure as unlawful and a violation of international law, demanding the immediate release of the ship, its crew, and their families.

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The latest move comes amid a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran following months of conflict that began in February. Despite the pause in large-scale hostilities, both sides have continued maritime confrontations, including the seizure of commercial vessels.

Pakistan has positioned itself as a key intermediary in the crisis, having hosted high-level talks between the two sides in Islamabad last month. While a second round of negotiations has yet to be scheduled, officials say diplomatic engagement remains ongoing.

The Foreign Office reiterated that Islamabad would continue facilitating dialogue and pursuing mediation efforts aimed at regional peace and security.