ISLAMABAD, May 4 (News Desk) — Pakistan’s Foreign Office has confirmed that 22 crew members of an Iranian-flagged container vessel, previously detained by United States forces, have been evacuated to Pakistan as part of what officials described as a confidence-building measure between Washington and Tehran.
According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the crew members were flown to Pakistan and will be handed over to Iranian authorities later today following coordination between all concerned parties.
The vessel, identified as an Iranian container ship linked to the sanctioned Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, was intercepted by US forces last month in the Gulf of Oman after allegations that it violated maritime regulations and failed to comply with repeated warnings.
Pakistan stated that the crew transfer was carried out on humanitarian and diplomatic grounds, while the vessel will also be moved into Pakistani territorial waters for technical inspection and possible repairs before being returned to its original owners.
Officials in Islamabad said the development reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and promoting regional stability amid rising maritime disputes involving the United States and Iran.
There has been no immediate official comment from Iranian authorities regarding the transfer.
The incident comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Gulf region, where naval encounters and shipping disruptions have raised international concerns over maritime security.
