Iran thanks Pakistan for repatriating nationals from seized vessels, praises diplomatic support

Iran offered gratitude to Pakistan on Thursday for helping it facilitate the return of its citizens from the captured ships, while also acknowledging the country’s diplomatic and humanitarian assistance during negotiations with the United States.

The sentiments were conveyed in a phone conversation between the country’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi.

In a press release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both foreign ministers discussed the latest developments in the region and their attempts to ensure peace and stability through diplomatic channels.

"Minister Araghchi informed the FM about his recent trip to China where he had consultations on various regional and international issues," the statement said.

The Pakistan Government on Monday arranged for the exchange of 22 crew members belonging to Iran and taken into custody while they were traveling on board a container ship named MV Touska, which was detained by the United States.

In the beginning, an operation carried out jointly by the United States and Israel was aimed at Iran on February 28. Iran retaliated against the attack, launching its own attack against Israel and other Gulf nations supporting the United States. In the United States-Israeli strikes in Iran, many Israelis and Iranians have died, and millions have become homeless.

A ceasefire has been in effect since April 8 when Pakistan facilitated a truce between US and Iran for two weeks. After the two-week truce, Pakistan arranged high-level talks between the United States and Iran that failed to reach any agreement. However, the truce continued despite disagreement.

In defiance of the ceasefire, the US started intercepting Iranian vessels. Later on, as President Donald Trump announced the blockage of Iranian ports, Iran stopped all vessels except for their own from passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Consequently, the shutdown of the strait caused phenomenal increase in oil prices.