In a move welcomed by Pakistan as a positive step towards regional peace, the United States has facilitated the repatriation of 22 crew members from the Iranian vessel MV Touska. The crew, who were held aboard the ship after it was seized by US forces for allegedly violating a US naval blockade against Iran, were flown to Pakistan on Monday and will be handed over to Iranian authorities today.
This development follows reports that six other passengers, identified by Iranian media as family members of the crew, were previously transferred to a regional country for repatriation last week.
According to US Central Command Spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins, custody of the Touska is being transferred back to its original ownership after the interception last month. The transfer is occurring after necessary repairs are made.
U.S. Marines depart amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) by helicopter and transit over the Arabian Sea to board and seize M/V Touska. The Marines rappelled onto the Iranian-flagged vessel, April 19, after guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) disabled Touska’s… pic.twitter.com/mFxI5RzYCS
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 20, 2026
Tahir Andrabi, Foreign Office Spokesperson, confirmed the details on social media, stating, “As a confidence-building measure by the United States of America, twenty-two crew members held aboard the seized Iranian container ship, ‘MV Touska’, have been evacuated to Pakistan.” He further added that the Iranian ship will also be returned to its owners via Pakistani territorial waters after repairs.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar echoed this sentiment, noting that the developments “surely constitute an important confidence-building measure.” He expressed Pakistan’s appreciation to both the US and Iran and affirmed Islamabad’s commitment to facilitating dialogue, diplomacy, and mediation for regional peace and security.
Pleased to announce that twenty-two crew members from the seized Iranian container vessel, “MV Touska”, have been safely evacuated to Pakistan.
The individuals were safely flown in Pakistan last night and will be transferred to Iran today. The Iranian ship is also being…
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) May 4, 2026
The MV Touska was boarded and seized by US forces on April 19 off the coast of Iran’s Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman. At the time, US Central Command stated that the ship’s crew “failed to comply with repeated warnings over a six-hour period” and that the vessel was in violation of the US blockade.
Iran’s foreign ministry had previously condemned the seizure as “unlawful and a violation” of international law, demanding the immediate release of the vessel, its sailors, and their families.
The repatriation effort comes amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where a US blockade of ships from Iranian ports has been imposed. US President Donald Trump recently announced “Operation Freedom,” a plan to aid ships stranded in the Gulf. However, a senior Iranian official has warned that any US interference in the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a breach of the ongoing ceasefire.
Pakistan welcomes these confidence-building measures and remains dedicated to supporting dialogue and diplomacy to promote regional peace and security.
🔊PR No.1️⃣1️⃣4️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣
Pakistan Facilitates Transfer of Iranian Crew Members
🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/hhe0eNVh1K— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 4, 2026
You May Like To Read: Iran Reviews US Response to 14-Point Proposal Amidst Tensions
Check out our latest video:
