US Transfers Crew From Iranian Ship to Pakistan

A group of 22 crew members detained on an Iranian container ship have been transferred to Pakistan, where they are to be handed over to Iranian authorities. Islamabad described the move as a confidence-building measure.

The Iranian-flagged Touska, which belongs to Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), was intercepted by US forces last month off the coast of Chabahar, in the Gulf of Oman. According to US Central Command, the crew failed to respond to repeated calls for six hours, and the vessel violated the blockade.

Tehran condemned the incident as illegal and called for the immediate release of the ship and its crew. Pakistan also said that, after necessary repairs, the vessel would be moved to its territorial waters and then returned to its owner.

The transfer of the crew comes after the conflict between the United States and Iran was temporarily calmed by a ceasefire declaration four weeks ago. Maritime incidents and the detention of merchant ships have continued despite the truce.

Negotiations aimed at easing the tensions, which took place in Pakistan last month, have so far failed to produce an agreement.

(reuters, bak)