On Monday, the Pakistani government announced that 22 crew members of an Iranian container ship, which the U.S. Navy seized last month, have been released from their custody. This move is being described as a “confidence-building measure.”
Foreign Minister Isaac Dar stated, “These individuals arrived safely in Pakistan last night and will be sent back to Iran today. The Iranian vessel is also being returned to Pakistani waters for its original owner after necessary repairs are completed.”
“Pakistan values such confidence-building actions and remains committed to promoting dialogue and diplomacy, while also continuing mediation efforts for peace and stability in the region,” noted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, referencing ongoing ceasefire discussions between the U.S. and Iran that are being facilitated by Islamabad.
The Iranian container ship, MV Touska, is owned by a shipping company that has faced U.S. sanctions since 2018. It was intercepted by the USS Spruance on April 19 in the Gulf of Oman for allegedly attempting to breach the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports.
Despite receiving six hours of radio warnings to change its course, the Touska did not comply. Consequently, the crew had no choice but to disable the vessel by drilling a hole in its engine room. This incident marked the first recorded use of force since the blockade was imposed on April 13.
“U.S. forces acted in a planned, professional, and proportionate manner to ensure compliance,” explained U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) when they reported the incident on April 19.
The Iranian government denounced the U.S. action as “armed piracy,” demanding the immediate return of the ship and crew, and indicating that the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) would respond. However, there were no significant retaliatory actions reported.
CENTCOM confirmed that as of Monday, there were 22 crew members from the Touska in custody. They were transferred to Pakistan on Sunday, with six others having been sent back the previous week, identified by Iranian state media as family members of the crew.
On Monday, Iranian state-run Fars News Agency reported that 15 crew members from the Touska had been sent back to Iran.
