ISLAMABAD – Twenty-two sailors from an Iranian cargo vessel seized by American forces have been transferred to Pakistan and will be returned to Iranian custody on Monday, according to Pakistan’s foreign ministry, which described the action as a “confidence-building measure.”
The Iranian container ship Touska, operated by the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) – a company subject to U.S. sanctions – was captured by American forces near Iran’s Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman last month.
According to U.S. Central Command, the vessel’s crew ignored repeated warnings over a six-hour period, and the ship was breaking a U.S. naval blockade.
Iranian officials denounced the seizure as “unlawful and a violation” of international maritime law, calling for the immediate return of the ship, crew members, and their families.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry announced Monday that the vessel will be moved into Pakistani waters for repairs before being returned to its owners.
The incident occurred during heightened tensions following a U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran that started in February but was paused four weeks ago under a fragile ceasefire agreement. Despite the truce, Washington and Tehran continue to clash at sea, with both sides seizing each other’s commercial ships.
Diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan last month aimed at reaching a broader agreement between the nations, but the negotiations failed to produce a deal.
