The United States has evacuated 22 crew members from an Iranian-flagged cargo ship it previously seized and transported them to Pakistan, where they are expected to be handed over to Iranian authorities. Pakistan’s foreign ministry described the move as a step aimed at building confidence between the parties.
The vessel, identified as the M/V Touska and linked to Iran’s national shipping line, had been intercepted by U.S. forces last month near the port of Chabahar in the Gulf of Oman. According to U.S. Central Command, the ship’s crew did not respond to repeated warnings over several hours, prompting the seizure under what Washington described as enforcement of maritime restrictions.
Iran strongly condemned the action at the time, calling it illegal and a breach of international law. Tehran demanded the immediate release of the ship and its crew.
Pakistani officials confirmed that the vessel will be moved into Pakistan’s territorial waters, where it will undergo necessary repairs before being returned to its owners.
The development comes amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran following a conflict earlier this year involving Israel. Although a ceasefire was declared roughly a month ago, sporadic maritime confrontations and vessel seizures have continued.
Efforts to broker a lasting agreement have so far failed. Talks held in Pakistan last month did not result in a breakthrough, underscoring the fragile nature of the current pause in hostilities.
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