Six Iranian crew members aboard the US-seized container ship Touska have been freed and returned to Iran, semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Wednesday.
Twenty-two crew remain aboard the vessel, and Iranian officials say they are working to secure their release as well.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on April 20 that naval forces had seized the Touska in the Gulf of Oman after it reportedly refused to comply with blockade directions. President Donald Trump said US forces had “blown a hole in the engine room” after the Iranian crew ignored warnings, and US Marines took custody of the vessel.
Hostilities escalated after US and Israeli strikes on Iran began on 28 February, drawing retaliation against US allies in the Gulf and prompting Iran to restrict shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire was announced on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, followed by talks in Islamabad on April 11, but no agreement was reached. Trump later said the truce had been extended at Pakistan’s request, pending a proposal from Tehran.
Since April 13, the US has enforced a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, in response to Iran’s restrictions on vessel passage through the waterway. Reports this week say the White House is preparing for an extended blockade that has driven Brent crude above $120 a barrel.
Source: Anadolu Agency
