An Iranian-flagged vessel seized by the United States has been partially returned, with its crew transferred to Pakistan for repatriation, according to international media reports.
The ship, identified as M/V Touska, was intercepted by the United States Central Command on April 19 after allegedly failing to comply with repeated warnings while attempting to breach a US-imposed blockade on Iranian ports. The vessel, linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, had been operating under sanctions.
A US military spokesperson, Captain Tim Hawkins, confirmed that 22 crew members were transferred to Pakistan for repatriation, while six additional passengers — reportedly family members — had earlier been sent to a regional country.
The vessel was seized near Chabahar Port in the Gulf of Oman after what US officials described as a six-hour period of non-compliance despite multiple warnings. Custody of the ship is now reportedly being returned to its original owners.
Iran strongly condemned the seizure, calling it a violation of international law and accusing the United States of “armed piracy.” The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region, particularly around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, where maritime traffic has been severely disrupted.
The situation escalated further after US President Donald Trump announced a new initiative, dubbed “Operation Freedom,” aimed at escorting stranded commercial vessels through restricted waters. The operation is expected to involve significant military deployment to ensure safe passage for ships affected by the الأزمة.
According to the International Maritime Organization, hundreds of vessels and nearly 20,000 seafarers have been stranded in the region due to ongoing hostilities and restrictions.
Iranian officials have warned that any US intervention in the Strait of Hormuz could be viewed as a violation of the current ceasefire, raising concerns over further escalation in an already volatile maritime corridor.
Story by Reuters AFP
