The United States has handed over 22 crew members from the Iranian container ship Touska to Pakistan, in what Islamabad describes as a “confidence-building measure” during heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins confirmed the transfer for repatriation, while Pakistan’s foreign ministry stated the sailors would be returned to Iranian authorities.
The Touska was seized by US forces in the Gulf of Oman on April 20, an act Tehran condemned as “piracy” following the US declaration of a naval blockade on Iranian ports. Iran had effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz after the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Tensions escalated further on Monday. US President Donald Trump announced “Project Freedom,” an operation to guide stranded vessels through the strait. Iran released a new map of the waterway with expanded boundaries eastward, warning ships not to pass without coordinating with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Iranian state media reported that two missiles struck a US naval vessel near Jask Island, but Washington denied any attack. Both sides continue to intercept and seize vessels, raising questions about de-escalation prospects. Pakistan has positioned itself as a mediator, but talks hosted in Islamabad last month ended without a breakthrough.
Iran’s foreign ministry is reviewing Washington’s response to its 14-point proposal sent via Pakistan on Friday. Trump previously described Tehran’s offer as “unacceptable.” The Touska, operated by the sanctioned Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), was disabled by a US deck gun and boarded by Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Military analyst Alexandru Hudisteanu warned of a high risk of miscalculation, stating, “Any attempt to open the strait will likely be met with resistance from Iran.” Iranian analyst Foad Izadi argued that the ceasefire collapsed with the US blockade, which he called “an act of war,” and that the seizure of ships further undermined any truce.
Source: www.aljazeera.com