ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office said on Monday confirmed that that 22 crew members of an Iranian vessel seized by the United States have been evacuated to Pakistan as a “confidence-building measure” by Washington, and will be handed over to Iranian authorities later today.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi told Arab News that the crew of the Iranian container ship MV Touska was transferred to Pakistan, from where they would be repatriated to Iran.
“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 said. “The individuals, who were flown to Pakistan last night, will be handed over to the Iranian authorities today.”
He added that the vessel itself would also be moved to Pakistani territorial waters for return after necessary repairs. “These returns are being coordinated in tandem with the support of both the Iranian and US sides,” he said, adding that Pakistan welcomed such steps and would continue to facilitate dialogue and diplomacy.
The development follows US media reports citing CENTCOM that 22 crew members were transferred to Pakistan for repatriation. Earlier, six other crew members had reportedly been released and reached Iran.
US President Donald Trump said the Iranian vessel was intercepted and seized on April 19 after allegedly refusing to comply with US directives while transiting the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz. The operation came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, which have escalated since February following reported strikes involving US and Israeli forces against Iran.
ABC News, quoting CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins, said the crew had been repatriated through Pakistan, while Iranian media reported that some released individuals had already returned to Iran.
Separately, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Sunday night to discuss regional developments and peace efforts, the Foreign Office said.
