Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

Pakistan to Repatriate Iranian Vessel Crew Amid Regional Tensions


(MENAFN) Pakistan has announced that it will return 22 crew members of an Iranian vessel to Tehran on Monday after the ship was seized by US forces, according to an official statement, in what Islamabad described as a “confidence-building measure” amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Foreign Ministry said Pakistan “welcomes such confidence-building measures” and will continue to support dialogue and diplomatic engagement while maintaining its mediation efforts aimed at promoting regional peace and stability.

Authorities also stated that the Iranian vessel will be shifted into Pakistani territorial waters and later handed back to its original owners once “necessary repairs” are completed.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that American forces had transferred the 22 crew members from the M/V Touska to Pakistan for repatriation. The vessel was seized by US naval forces on April 19 in the Gulf of Oman after it allegedly failed to comply with restrictions linked to a blockade on Iranian ports.

According to CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins, six additional passengers had already been transferred to another regional country earlier for repatriation.

The statement added that the returns are being coordinated with involvement from both Iranian and US channels, reflecting ongoing efforts to manage tensions surrounding maritime activity in the region.

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