In a significant development amid ongoing US-Iran tensions, the US military has handed over the crew of a seized Iranian ship to Pakistani authorities.

According to US media reports, the transfer of the crew and the vessel to Pakistan is part of a move to return them to Iran.

A total of 22 crew members from the Iranian ship MV Touska have been handed over to Pakistan.

This follows the earlier transfer of six crew members last week to a regional country for repatriation.

Sources said that MV Touska was seized by the US military on April 19 after the vessel allegedly violated a US blockade while attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

The ship will now be returned to its rightful owner.

Foreign Office spokesperson Taher Hussain Andrabi confirmed that the transfer of the 22 crew members was part of a confidence-building measure initiated by the US.

According to Andrabi, the crew members arrived in Pakistan late last night and will be handed over to Iranian authorities today.

Following necessary repairs, the Iranian vessel will be returned to its original owners via Pakistan’s maritime boundaries, he added.

Andrabi added that the return of the vessel and its crew is taking place in coordination between Iran and the US, and Pakistan considers this development as a positive step in promoting trust and diplomacy in the region.

Pakistan remains committed to supporting peace and dialogue in the region, he added.

Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for US Central Command, confirmed the transfer of the 22 crew members and noted that six crew members were released last week and are already in Iran.