US hands over Tosca crew, Pakistan to repatriate them to Iran

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office on Monday confirmed that the United States has handed over the crew of the seized Iranian vessel Tosca to Pakistan as part of a confidence-building measure, with plans to return both the crew and the ship to Iran.

According to a spokesperson for US Central Command, Captain Tom Hawkins, the vessel was intercepted on April 19, and all 22 crew members have now been transferred to Pakistan for repatriation to Iran.

Pakistani authorities confirmed that the crew arrived in the country overnight and will be formally handed over to Iranian officials.

The Foreign Office stated that the vessel will also be returned to its original owners after undergoing necessary repairs.

The process is being carried out in coordination with both Washington and Tehran, reflecting a rare instance of cooperation amid ongoing tensions.

Pakistan welcomed the development, calling it a positive step toward regional trust-building. The Foreign Office reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to promoting dialogue, diplomacy, and mediation efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the crew would be repatriated to Iran the same day, while the vessel would be returned after repairs within Pakistan’s maritime jurisdiction.

He emphasized that the move was undertaken in consultation with both the United States and Iran and described it as an important development for regional confidence-building.

Earlier, US media reported that the cargo vessel MV Tosca had been seized by US forces near Iran’s Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman.

At the time of interception, the ship carried 28 individuals, six of whom had already been transferred to a regional country last week for repatriation.

US officials have maintained that the vessel was in violation of international sanctions, while Iran has condemned the seizure as illegal and tantamount to piracy.

The incident has intensified global debate over maritime security, sanctions enforcement, and international law in the Gulf region.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced the resumption of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, warning of a strong response to any interference in what he described as a humanitarian process.

On the other hand, Iranian officials cautioned that any US involvement in new maritime arrangements in the strait would be considered a violation of ceasefire terms.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route near Iran’s coastline, has remained largely restricted since late February following heightened regional hostilities. According to the International Maritime Organization, hundreds of vessels and around 20,000 seafarers have been affected during the disruption.