Pakistan Facilitates Return of 22 Iranian Crew from US-Seized Vessel

04/05/2026

Pakistan Facilitates Return of 22 Iranian Crew from US-Seized Vessel

Guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) enforces the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports against an Iranian-flagged ship attempting to sail to a port in Iran

ISLAMABAD, May 4: Pakistan has facilitated the transfer of 22 Iranian crew members from a vessel seized by US forces, describing the move as a “confidence-building measure” amid fragile diplomatic contacts with Iran.

According to Pakistan’s foreign ministry, the sailors were flown into Islamabad late Sunday after being held aboard the Iranian-flagged container ship Touska. They are expected to be formally handed over to Iranian authorities.

The development follows a tense maritime standoff in the Gulf of Oman, where US forces intercepted the vessel for allegedly breaching restrictions.

In a controversial remark, Donald Trump claimed the ship was carrying “a gift from China,” an assertion strongly rejected by China, which dismissed the allegation as unfounded and warned against “malicious speculation.”

Pakistan earlier confirmed that the crew had been evacuated with US assistance and would be repatriated to Iran. Authorities also indicated that the vessel would be brought back into Pakistani waters for necessary repairs before being returned to its original owners.

The incident underscores ongoing tensions in key regional waterways, even as diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes to prevent further escalation.