Arabic version: الولايات المتحدة تنقل طاقم السفينة الإيرانية المحتجزة إلى باكستان

The crew members of the Iranian ship MV Touska, which was seized by US forces after it “failed to comply” with the US blockade on Iranian ports, have been transferred to Pakistan for repatriation, according to Pakistan’s foreign ministry. The ministry announced that this transfer is part of a confidence-building measure by the United States.

A total of twenty-two crew members were flown to Pakistan on Sunday night. They are expected to be handed over to Iranian authorities today. In addition to the crew, the ship will also be backloaded to Pakistani territorial waters for return to its original owners after necessary repairs.

The transfer was reportedly coordinated with the support of both Iranian and US authorities. Pakistan’s foreign ministry expressed its commitment to facilitating dialogue and diplomacy to promote regional peace and security.

US Central Command confirmed the transfer, noting that the crew was evacuated as part of the ongoing efforts following the ship’s seizure on April 19. The MV Touska was intercepted for allegedly violating the US naval blockade against Iran.

The ship is associated with the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, which has been subjected to US sanctions. Prior to this transfer, six other passengers, identified as family members of some crew members, were repatriated to a regional country last week. According to Al Jazeera, the custody of the Touska is currently being transferred back to its original ownership.