Web Desk: The United States has transferred a seized Iranian ship and its crew to Pakistan, signaling a tentative easing of tensions in the Gulf following weeks of confrontation over maritime security.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said on Monday that 22 crew members of the seized Iranian vessel MV Tosca have been transferred to Pakistan in what it described as a positive confidence-building step by the United States.
The crew arrived overnight and will be handed over to Iranian authorities later on Tuesday, while the vessel will be returned to its owners via Pakistani waters after necessary repairs.
Meanwhile, officials highlighted close coordination among Pakistan, Iran and the United States during the process, adding that Islamabad welcomed the development and would continue efforts to promote regional stability through diplomatic engagement.
US Central Command also confirmed that it had completed the handover of the MV Tosca and 22 crew members to Pakistani authorities. Officials said the crew would be repatriated safely to Iran. Earlier, six crew members had already been sent back via a regional country.
The vessel was seized on April 19 in the Strait of Hormuz after it refused to comply with US orders, according to President Donald Trump. US forces later took control of the ship in the Gulf of Oman as part of a broader maritime security operation.
The handover marks a notable shift after a month-long US naval blockade of Iranian ports. Washington has now begun returning the vessel to its original owners, while facilitating the release of its crew through Pakistan.
The move suggests a calibrated approach by the United States, balancing military pressure with limited diplomatic outreach.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary between Washington and Tehran since tensions escalated in February. On April 11, Islamabad hosted the first round of direct talks between the two sides.
Although the talks ended without a major breakthrough, Pakistan continued diplomatic engagement, including hosting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Officials say those efforts helped reduce immediate risks of escalation.
Tensions between the United States and Iran intensified in February 2026 following surprise strikes by US and Israeli forces on Iranian targets. In response, Tehran tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz and introduced toll measures on passing vessels.
The United States retaliated by imposing a naval blockade on Iranian ports, raising fears of a broader military conflict in a region critical to global energy supplies.
At the same time, Trump announced a new naval initiative, Project Freedom, aimed at delivering food and supplies to ships affected by the blockade.
US officials have presented Project Freedom as a humanitarian effort. However, analysts view it as part of a broader strategy to justify continued military presence in the region while easing international pressure.
In this context, the transfer of the Iranian crew to Pakistan underscores Washington’s reliance on Islamabad as a trusted channel. It also highlights Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role as a conduit for de-escalation.
Despite these developments, risks remain high. Iran’s toll policy challenges long-standing principles of freedom of navigation, while ongoing US operations continue to test red lines.
Observers warn that even a minor incident in the Strait of Hormuz could rapidly escalate into a wider conflict if both sides fail to sustain diplomatic momentum.
Read more: Trump announces Project Freedom to secure Strait of Hormuz shipping
