US Transfers Crew of Seized Iranian Vessel to Pakistan for Repatriation

The crew of the Iranian commercial vessel Touska, which was seized by the United States as part of what Tehran describes as an illegal naval blockade, has reportedly been transferred to Pakistan to facilitate their return to Iran.

According to ABC News, citing US Central Command (CENTCOM), the 22-member crew was moved to Pakistan as part of arrangements for their repatriation. CENTCOM oversees American military operations in the West Asia region.

The report further stated that procedures have also begun for returning the vessel to its rightful owner, following its seizure last month.

The United States had announced the continuation of its naval blockade on April 13, despite earlier claims of a ceasefire in the region. The move has significantly escalated tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Iran has strongly condemned the blockade, calling it illegal and accusing the United States of engaging in acts of maritime aggression. Tehran has also stated that it will not participate in negotiations with the US as long as the blockade remains in place.

Iranian officials have described the seizure of multiple vessels as “piracy” and maintain that they reserve the right to respond with appropriate defensive measures.

In a notable development, former US President Donald Trump has previously acknowledged that US naval operations act “like pirates” in enforcing such measures.

Reacting to this, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said:

“This was no verbal slip. It was a direct and damning admission of the criminal nature of their actions against international maritime navigation.”

The situation continues to add strain to already fragile maritime and diplomatic relations in the region.