ISLAMABAD: An Iranian cargo vessel seized by United States forces after allegedly failing to comply with a blockade has been transferred to Pakistan along with its crew for repatriation to Iran, according to a report by ABC News on Monday.
The report stated that the US Central Command confirmed the transfer of 22 crew members of the vessel M/V Touska to Pakistan.
The ship was allegedly seized while attempting to breach what US authorities described as a naval blockade imposed on Iran.
Captain Hawkins stated that the vessel was boarded and taken under control by US forces on 19 April after repeated warnings were issued over a six-hour period.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has said that it has repatriated 22 Iranian crew members on one of the captured sanctioned Iranian vessels to Pakistan, and that the ship itself will also be returned via Pakistan to Iran.
The Iranian ship is currently in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/xiRf37GOIX
— The STRATCOM Bureau (@OSPSF) May 4, 2026
The M/V Touska, a small container ship affiliated with the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL)—an entity already under US sanctions—was intercepted off the coast of Iran’s Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman.
At the time of the incident, US Central Command claimed that the crew had failed to comply with repeated instructions issued by naval forces.
Iran, however, strongly rejected the US action. The Iranian Foreign Ministry described the seizure as “unlawful and a violation of international law” and demanded the immediate release of both the vessel and its crew along with their families.
Iranian military officials also claimed the ship was en route from China and accused the United States of engaging in “armed piracy”.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Ishaq Dar has announced that 22 crew members from the seized Iranian container vessel MV Touska were evacuated to Pakistan in what officials described as a confidence-building measure involving the United States.
In a post on X, Dar said the evacuation was carried out smoothly in coordination with relevant stakeholders, expressing satisfaction over the safe transfer and confirming that the crew would be handed over to Iranian authorities the same day.
He also noted that arrangements were underway to return the vessel to its original owners after necessary procedures, describing the development as a positive step toward easing regional tensions.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage for global energy and trade, has witnessed heightened tensions since the outbreak of hostilities involving Iran, the United States, and Israel earlier this year.
Reports indicate that several vessels attempting passage through the strait have come under fire, while Iran has also seized a number of ships in recent months.
In response, the United States has imposed its own restrictions on vessels departing Iranian ports.
US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that Washington would begin assisting in the safe passage of ships stranded in the Gulf under a new initiative titled “Operation Freedom”, set to commence on Monday. He did not provide detailed operational specifics.
U.S. Marines depart amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) by helicopter and transit over the Arabian Sea to board and seize M/V Touska. The Marines rappelled onto the Iranian-flagged vessel, April 19, after guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) disabled Touska’s… pic.twitter.com/mFxI5RzYCS
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 20, 2026
“We have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business,” Trump stated on his Truth Social platform.
According to figures cited by the International Maritime Organisation, hundreds of vessels and approximately 20,000 seafarers have been unable to transit the Strait of Hormuz due to ongoing conflict conditions.
US Central Command said the operation would involve approximately 15,000 personnel, over 100 air and sea-based aircraft, as well as warships and drones. The stated objective is to restore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping through the strategically vital waterway.
In reaction to the US announcement, Iranian officials issued a strong warning. Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s parliamentary national security commission, said any American interference in the maritime arrangements of the Strait of Hormuz would be considered a violation of the current ceasefire.
⚠ WARNING
Any American interference in the new maritime regime of the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a violation of the ceasefire.
The Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf would not be managed by Trump’s delusional posts!
No one would believe Blame Game scenarios!
— ابراهیم عزیزی (@Ebrahimazizi33) May 3, 2026
“Any American interference in the new maritime regime of the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a violation of the ceasefire,” Azizi posted on X.
