Washington, DC – US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it has begun the process of transferring the detained Iranian vessel “Tosca” and its crew to Pakistani authorities. This is a preliminary step toward their return to Iran. The transfer comes two weeks after the vessel was intercepted and detained for allegedly violating the naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports.
Transporting crew and families via a third party
In statements to ABC News, Captain Tim Hawkins, spokesman for U.S. Central Command, confirmed that U.S. forces successfully completed the transfer of 22 crew members from the ship to Pakistani territory.
Hawkins explained that arrangements are underway with the Pakistani side to ensure the crew’s safe return home.
The spokesman also revealed that six other passengers who were aboard the ship were transferred to a country in the region (which he did not name) last week for the same purpose. He noted that Iranian media reports had identified these passengers as family members of the ship’s crew.
Background to the detention: An attempt to break the siege
The incident dates back nearly two weeks, when US forces intercepted and seized the vessel “Tosca” in the Gulf. According to the US account, the ship attempted to circumvent the strict naval blockade imposed by the United States on Iranian shipping.
A spokesperson for CENTCOM stated, “After the Tosca was seized and detained last month while attempting to violate the blockade, efforts are underway to return it to its rightful owner in accordance with established protocols.” This move comes at a highly sensitive time. It coincides with the launch of the US “Project Freedom” to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s presentation of a plan to end the naval blockade.
