GABD-RIMDAN, May 4 — A group of Iranian sailors evacuated to Pakistan after being detained by United States forces returned to Iran on Monday, marking a significant step in regional mediation efforts. Iranian state media confirmed that 15 of the 22 crew members from the container vessel M/V Touska crossed the border at the Rimdan terminal in Sistan-Baluchistan. The sailors had been flown into Pakistan following their release by the U.S. Central Command, which had intercepted their ship in the Gulf of Oman last month for allegedly violating a naval blockade.
22 Iranian crew members from a US-seized vessel gather at the Gabd border in Pakistan’s Balochistan province while being transferred back to Iran.
Pakistan is facilitating the transfer of the sailors, who had been held aboard the container ship Touska, and were flown into… pic.twitter.com/Mx43cypsYh
— Roya News English (@RoyaNewsEnglish) May 4, 2026
Quick Facts
- Twenty-two Iranian crew members were evacuated to Pakistan for repatriation after their ship was seized.
- Fifteen sailors officially crossed the Gabd-Rimdan border into Iran on Monday afternoon.
- The M/V Touska was intercepted by U.S. forces near Chabahar port on April 19.
- Pakistan’s Foreign Office facilitated the transfer as part of ongoing regional mediation.
- The vessel will undergo repairs in Pakistani waters before its final return to Iran.
- Six family members of the crew were previously repatriated through another regional country.
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Pakistan Facilitates Transfer of Iranian Crew Members
🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/hhe0eNVh1K— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 4, 2026
The transfer was described by Pakistani officials as a critical diplomatic breakthrough. Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that the evacuation served as a “confidence-building measure” initiated by the United States. He confirmed that the crew members were received in Pakistan before being formally handed over to Iranian authorities at the border. Additionally, the M/V Touska is expected to be moved into Pakistani territorial waters for essential repairs before being returned to its original owners.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar praised the development, characterizing it as a vital move toward de-escalating tensions. He noted that Pakistan remains deeply committed to using dialogue and diplomacy to ensure peace in the region. Dar expressed appreciation to both Washington and Tehran for coordinating the return, emphasizing Islamabad’s role as a neutral facilitator during the current maritime crisis.
Pleased to announce that twenty-two crew members from the seized Iranian container vessel, “MV Touska”, have been safely evacuated to Pakistan.
The individuals were safely flown in Pakistan last night and will be transferred to Iran today. The Iranian ship is also being…
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) May 4, 2026
The seizure of the M/V Touska occurred amid a highly volatile environment in the Strait of Hormuz, which has seen commercial shipping crippled by recent strikes and blockades. While the U.S. maintained the ship failed to heed warnings, Tehran had previously condemned the boarding as a violation of international law. The successful repatriation coincides with the announcement of “Operation Freedom,” a U.S.-led initiative aimed at guiding stranded commercial vessels safely through the restricted waterways.
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
As the sailors reunite with their families, the focus remains on the thousands of other seafarers still caught in the regional deadlock. Pakistan has signaled that it will continue to support such humanitarian and diplomatic exchanges to prevent further conflict. The state continues to monitor the situation at the border to ensure the remaining crew members complete their journey home safely.
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