Pakistan to Evacuate Crew of Seized Iranian Ship in US Amid Mediation Efforts

Pakistan will evacuate 22 crew members from an Iranian ship seized by the United States as a confidence-building step, after which they will be returned to Iran. The vessel, linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, was seized near Chabahar, with Iran calling the action unlawful while the US said the ship ignored warnings. Pakistan also plans to return the ship after repairs, acting as a mediator amid ongoing tensions.

Pakistan has confirmed plans to evacuate 22 crew members from an Iranian container ship seized by the United States, in what officials describe as a carefully coordinated humanitarian and diplomatic effort aimed at easing tensions in the region.
According to a statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, the evacuation is being carried out as a “confidence-building measure,” with cooperation from both Washington and Tehran. The crew members, once transferred to Pakistan, will be processed and subsequently returned to Iran. Officials emphasized that the move is not only humanitarian in nature but also part of broader, behind-the-scenes diplomatic engagements to reduce hostilities.
The situation centers on the Iranian-flagged vessel Touska, which was intercepted and seized by US forces last month near the strategic port of Chabahar, located along Iran’s southeastern coastline in the Gulf of Oman. The ship is affiliated with the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), a state-owned shipping company that has long been under US sanctions due to allegations of its involvement in transporting goods linked to Iran’s military and nuclear programs.
At the time of the seizure, Iranian authorities reacted sharply, condemning the action as “unlawful” and accusing the United States of violating international maritime law and freedom of navigation principles. Tehran maintained that the vessel was operating within its legitimate rights and posed no threat that would justify such an intervention.
On the other hand, US Central Command defended the operation, stating that the Touska had been warned repeatedly over a six-hour period but failed to comply with instructions. According to US officials, the vessel was allegedly breaching a US-imposed maritime blockade, which has been part of broader enforcement measures tied to escalating tensions with Iran.
Pakistan’s role in the unfolding situation has drawn attention, as Islamabad has increasingly positioned itself as a neutral intermediary between the two adversaries. Since the United States began launching strikes on Iran in late February, Pakistan has engaged in quiet diplomatic outreach, attempting to facilitate dialogue and prevent further escalation.
While these efforts have not yet resulted in formal peace talks or a ceasefire agreement, the agreement over the crew’s evacuation is being seen as a modest but meaningful step toward de-escalation. Analysts suggest that such confidence-building measures can help establish trust, even in highly strained geopolitical environments.
In addition to evacuating the crew, Pakistan has also indicated that the seized vessel will eventually be returned to Iran after undergoing necessary inspections and repairs. This aspect of the arrangement further underscores Islamabad’s balancing act—maintaining constructive relations with both Washington and Tehran while advocating for stability in a region increasingly at risk of broader conflict.
The broader context remains tense, with ongoing military activity, sanctions, and diplomatic deadlock continuing to define US-Iran relations. However, the coordinated handling of the Touska’s crew offers a rare instance of limited cooperation, providing a potential opening—however small—for further diplomatic engagement.