U.S. Evacuates 22 Crew Members From Seized Iranian Vessel MV Touska To Pakistan

The United States has transferred 22 crew members from the Iranian-flagged container ship MV Touska to Pakistan, where arrangements are underway to send them back to Iran.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the crew arrived in the country on Sunday night and described the move as a confidence-building step.

Iranian media later reported that 15 of the crew have already reached Iran.

Six other individuals, identified as family members of some of the crew, had been moved earlier to another country in the region for repatriation.

The vessel belongs to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), which is under US sanctions. It was seized by American forces on April 19 near Iran’s Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman.

US Central Command said the ship did not respond to repeated warnings over a period of six hours and was operating in violation of a US naval blockade.

According to US officials, the transfer of the crew was completed with support from Pakistan.

The country’s foreign ministry said the process is being carried out in coordination with both the United States and Iran.

Pakistan also stated that the ship will be moved to its territorial waters for necessary repairs before being returned to its original owners.

Iran has criticised the seizure, calling it unlawful and a violation of international law. It has demanded the release of the vessel, its crew, and their families.

The incident follows a conflict between the United States and Iran that began in late February.

Although a ceasefire was agreed in early April, tensions have continued at sea, with both sides involved in attacks and the seizure of commercial vessels.

Pakistan has been involved in mediation efforts and hosted talks last month, though those discussions did not result in an agreement.

The government has said it will continue to support dialogue and diplomatic efforts.

The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains tense. Iran’s military has warned it will take action if US forces approach or enter the waterway, following an announcement by US President Donald Trump of a naval mission called “Project Freedom” to guide ships through the strait.

US officials have also said that custody of the MV Touska is being transferred back to its original ownership after the interception.

References: Aljazeera, Reuters