Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan has confirmed the evacuation of 22 crew members from an Iranian vessel seized by US forces, describing the move as a “confidence-building measure” amid ongoing regional tensions.
According to the Foreign Office, the crew members from the container ship MV Touska were flown to Pakistan and are being handed over to Iranian authorities.
It said the evacuation reflects cooperation between the United States and regional stakeholders, adding that Pakistan will continue to support diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation.
The development follows reports that US forces had seized the Iranian-flagged vessel last month after it allegedly failed to comply with warnings linked to Washington’s naval blockade on Iranian ports.
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A spokesperson for United States Central Command said the crew had been safely transferred for repatriation, while custody of the vessel is now being returned to its original owners after necessary procedures and repairs.
The ship, associated with Iran’s sanctioned shipping network, was intercepted near the Gulf of Oman in April. At the time, US officials said the vessel had ignored repeated warnings, while Tehran condemned the seizure as a violation of international law and described it as “armed piracy.”
Pakistan also confirmed that the vessel will be moved into its territorial waters before being returned, with coordination underway between relevant authorities.
The incident comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the region, particularly around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, where maritime traffic has been severely disrupted since the outbreak of conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran earlier this year.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has announced a new initiative aimed at assisting commercial vessels stranded in the Gulf. The operation, expected to involve significant US military resources, is intended to restore safe navigation through the waterway.
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Iran, however, has warned that any such intervention could be viewed as a violation of the existing ceasefire, underscoring the fragile nature of the current situation.
Pakistan has reiterated its support for dialogue and diplomacy, positioning itself as a facilitator in efforts to reduce tensions and promote regional stability.
