US Transfers 22 Iranian Crew Members to Pakistan Following Vessel Seizure

The United States has transferred 22 Iranian crew members to Pakistan following the detention of their commercial vessel, the Touska, by U.S. naval forces in the Gulf of Oman. Pakistani authorities confirmed the handover, stating the crew will be repatriated to Iran.

The transfer occurs amid heightened diplomatic and security tensions between Washington and Tehran. Pakistani officials described the move as a confidence-building measure aimed at easing regional friction. The vessel was originally intercepted while en route from China to Iran. Omid Radio reports the vessel itself is being released alongside the crew, while Khaama Press confirms only the crew transfer. The timing of the initial seizure also varies between the two outlets, with accounts placing it between two weeks and one month ago.

The handover takes place against a backdrop of competing diplomatic initiatives. While Pakistan has positioned the transfer as a step toward de-escalation, U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly rejected a three-stage peace proposal put forward by Tehran. The incident has drawn attention to broader security concerns in the region, particularly regarding navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Both U.S. and Iranian officials have not yet issued detailed statements regarding the specific circumstances of the vessel’s initial seizure or the legal basis for its detention. The repatriation process is expected to proceed through established diplomatic channels between Islamabad and Tehran.