Save Our Pak
The United States has transferred 22 crew members of a seized Iranian ship to Pakistan, according to confirmation from Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
As reported by ABC News, a spokesperson for United States Central Command said the Iranian vessel was taken into custody after it tried to break a US naval blockade. The ship, along with its crew, has now been moved to Pakistan so the crew can be sent back to Iran.
Captain Tim Hawkins stated that US forces completed the transfer of all 22 crew members of the ship MV Tosca. He also added that six other passengers had already been sent to another regional country last week for their return.
Iranian state media reported that those six individuals were family members of some crew members. The spokesperson also said that the ship will be returned to its original owners.
According to details, on April 19, the crew ignored warnings from US naval forces for nearly six hours. After that, a US destroyer fired at the ship’s engine room. Later, US Marines boarded the vessel and took control of it.
The Foreign Office of Pakistan confirmed that the transfer of the Iranian crew to Pakistan was part of a confidence-building step. Officials said the crew would be handed over to Iranian authorities soon.
The spokesperson also shared that after repairs, the ship will be brought into Pakistani waters and returned to its owners. The process of returning both the crew and the vessel is being done with cooperation between Iran and the United States.
Pakistan welcomed these steps and said it supports all efforts that build trust. The Foreign Office added that Pakistan will continue to promote dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful solutions in the region.
Reported by Save Our Pak
