The United States Central Command transferred crew members of a seized Iranian-linked vessel to Pakistan for repatriation, according to US media reports, with Islamabad later confirming the development.
The vessel, M/V Touska, came under US control on April 19 in the Gulf of Oman. Officials said it failed to follow blockade directions linked to Iranian ports.
“Today, US forces completed the transfer of 22 crew members of M/V Touska to Pakistan for repatriation,” ABC News quoted CENTCOM spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins as saying.
Hawkins said six other individuals linked to the vessel had moved earlier to a regional country. Iranian state media later reported that those individuals were family members of the crew.
Pakistan confirms evacuation and coordination
Following the reports, Pakistan confirmed it had received the crew and started the repatriation process to Iran.
In a statement shared on social media, Ishaq Dar said, “Pleased to announce that twenty-two crew members from the seized Iranian container vessel, ‘MV Touska’, have been safely evacuated to Pakistan.”
Pleased to announce that twenty-two crew members from the seized Iranian container vessel, “MV Touska”, have been safely evacuated to Pakistan.
The individuals were safely flown in Pakistan last night and will be transferred to Iran today. The Iranian ship is also being…
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) May 4, 2026
He added, “The individuals were safely flown in Pakistan last night and will be transferred to Iran today. The Iranian ship is also being backloaded to Pakistani territorial waters for its return to its original owners after necessary repairs.”
Dar said both the United States and Iran supported the process. He called it “an important confidence-building measure.”
“Pakistan expresses its appreciation to the United States and Iran, and remains committed to facilitating dialogue, diplomacy, and mediation for the regional peace and security,” he added.
CENTCOM did not respond to requests for further details. Authorities in Tehran also did not issue an official statement.
Read More: Iran Proposes Strait of Hormuz Deal to US to End Conflict
Seizure underscores maritime tensions
The interception highlights tensions in shipping routes near Iran. The Gulf of Oman links the Strait of Hormuz to global trade lanes.
US naval forces often monitor vessels tied to sanctions concerns. Analysts say such actions can trigger diplomatic sensitivity, especially when civilian crews are involved.
Pakistan’s role helped manage the humanitarian aspect of the case. Officials expect the vessel to return to its owners after repairs, though no timeline is available.
