Iran threatens to attack ships as Trump says U.S. will guide vessels through Strait of Hormuz

Pakistan said Monday it had facilitated the transfer of 22 crew members from a U.S.-seized Iranian vessel, describing the move as a “confidence-building measure” amid fragile diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran.

The sailors, who had been held aboard the container ship Touska, were flown into Islamabad late Sunday and were due to be handed over to Iranian authorities, according to a statement from Pakistan’s foreign ministry.

Iranian state media said Monday that 15 crew members from the Touska had been “returned to Iran,” but their whereabouts remained unconfirmed.

The handover comes amid a tense standoff in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman, where U.S. forces intercepted the Iranian-flagged cargo ship.

Iran condemned the ship’s seizure as “piracy” and a violation of an April ceasefire and urged the United Nations to intervene.

Pakistan has positioned itself as a mediator between the U.S. and Iran, hosting the only round of direct talks between the two sides since the U.S. and Israel launched their joint war with Iran on Feb. 28. Islamabad has tried for weeks to orchestrate a second round of talks, but thus far the Trump administration has refused to accept Iran’s demands for such negotiations, and Tehran says it won’t talk until the U.S. blockade of its ports is lifted.

The transfer of the Touska crew was coordinated with both sides, Pakistan said, reflecting a rare instance of practical cooperation despite wider tensions over sanctions, shipping routes and regional security.

The vessel itself is expected to be returned after repairs. 

CBS/AFP