Seized Iranian Vessel Crew Transferred to Pakistan as US Prepares ‘Operation Freedom’ in Gulf

ISLAMABAD: The United States has transferred crew members of a seized Iranian vessel to Pakistan for repatriation, amid escalating tensions in the Gulf and plans for a new maritime security operation.

According to a report by ABC News, the crew of the M/V Touska was handed over after the ship was intercepted for allegedly violating a US naval blockade on Iranian ports.

A spokesperson for United States Central Command, Captain Tim Hawkins, confirmed that 22 crew members had been transferred to Pakistan. An additional six individuals — identified by Iranian media as family members — had already been sent to another regional country.

The vessel, linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, was seized on April 19 near Iran’s Chabahar port in the Gulf of Oman after reportedly ignoring repeated warnings from US forces over a six-hour period.

US authorities stated that the Iranian-flagged ship was in violation of the blockade, prompting its interception. Custody of the vessel is now being returned to its original owners, according to officials.

Iran, however, strongly condemned the seizure. The country’s foreign ministry termed the action “unlawful” and a violation of international law, while military officials accused the United States of engaging in “armed piracy.”

The incident comes against the backdrop of heightened conflict in the region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global shipping route that has faced severe disruptions in recent weeks.

Tehran has effectively restricted maritime traffic through the strait since hostilities escalated following US and Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year. Reports indicate that hundreds of vessels and thousands of seafarers remain stranded due to the standoff.

In response, Donald Trump announced a new initiative, dubbed “Operation Freedom,” aimed at escorting commercial ships safely through the restricted waterways.

The operation is expected to involve around 15,000 US military personnel, along with aircraft, warships, and drones to restore freedom of navigation.

However, Iranian officials have warned that any US intervention in the strait could be seen as a violation of the current ceasefire. Ebrahim Azizi, a senior Iranian lawmaker, cautioned that Tehran would respond to any perceived breach.

The situation underscores growing risks to global energy supply chains, as the Strait of Hormuz handles a significant share of the world’s oil and gas shipments.