FO says 22 crew from seized Iranian ship repatriated to Pakistan

Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) said on Monday that 22 crew members from an Iranian vessel seized by US forces have been brought to Pakistan as a “confidence-building measure”.

FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the individuals, who were aboard the MV Touska, arrived in Pakistan and would be handed over to Iranian authorities. He added that the vessel would also be returned to its original owners after necessary repairs, with coordination between both sides.

The development follows reports by ABC News citing US Central Command, which said American forces had transferred the crew for repatriation. Six additional passengers, identified as family members, were earlier sent to another regional country.

The vessel, part of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines fleet, was seized on April 19 near the Gulf of Oman after allegedly failing to comply with US warnings linked to a naval blockade.

Iran condemned the seizure as unlawful and demanded the release of the ship and crew, while accusing the US of violating international law.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has been disrupted during the ongoing regional conflict.