US releases seized Iranian crew to Pakistan
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- The United States transferred 22 crew members from the seized Iranian vessel Touska to Pakistan as a diplomatic gesture.
- Fifteen Iranian sailors crossed back into Iran via the Rimdan border crossing in Sistan and Baluchestan province on Monday.
- Pakistan described the coordination as a confidence-building measure aimed at reducing regional tension.
The United States has evacuated 22 crew members from a seized Iranian container vessel to Pakistan for repatriation to Tehran.
Pakistan's foreign ministry confirmed on Monday that the transfer serves as a "confidence-building measure" between the conflicting nations.
Following the transfer to Pakistani authorities, 15 of the Iranian sailors returned to Iran through the Rimdan border crossing in the Sistan and Baluchestan province later that afternoon.
Seizure of the Touska
The Iranian-flagged vessel Touska, operated by the sanctioned Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, was seized by US forces last month off the coast of Chabahar in the Gulf of Oman.
US Central Command stated at the time of the incident that the ship failed to comply with warnings over a six-hour period and violated the ongoing naval blockade.
Iranian officials previously denounced the boarding as a violation of international law and demanded the immediate return of the sailors and the ship.
Diplomatic mediation and vessel return
Pakistan has played a central role as a neutral intermediary during the exchange. In addition to the repatriation of the crew, the Pakistani foreign ministry announced that the Touska will be moved into Pakistani territorial waters. The vessel is scheduled to undergo necessary repairs before being returned to its Iranian owners.
