FM Dar announces arrival of 22 more Iranian sailors aboard vessel intercepted by US forces

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday announced the safe arrival of 22 Iranian crew members of the vessel Lenore/Davina in Karachi, who had recently been interdicted by US authorities, saying arrangements were being finalised for their earliest return to Iran.

"I am pleased to share that twenty-two Iranian crew members of the vessel Lenore/Davina, recently interdicted by US authorities, have safely arrived in Karachi this afternoon," Dar said in a post on X.

He said Pakistan was working closely with the Iranian diplomatic missions to facilitate the crew members' safe and early repatriation to their homeland.

"Arrangements are now being finalised in close collaboration with the Iranian Missions in Pakistan to facilitate their earliest and safe return to their homeland," he said.

The crew arrived at Karachi port in the presence of Foreign Office officials and were transferred to the consulate after completing emergency entry formalities, Iran’s official news agency IRNA reported, citing consulate officials.

The deputy prime minister said Pakistan had remained in close contact with both the US and Iranian authorities throughout the process.

According to Dar, the latest group was the fourth batch of Iranian crew members whose repatriation has been facilitated by Pakistan over the past two months. He said Pakistan had so far assisted in the repatriation of more than 70 Iranian nationals, including the latest group of 22, through its territory.

Expressing gratitude to the Iranian leadership, Dar said he appreciated the trust reposed in Pakistan for facilitating the repatriation process.

"I also commend the dedicated efforts of the team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all the Pakistani institutions for their professionalism and commitment to ensure the smooth and safe repatriation of our Iranian brothers to their homeland," he said.

Iran and the US reached a 14-point understanding mediated by Pakistan, which entered into force on June 18 after being electronically signed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump.

The agreement includes provisions on ending hostilities across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting the US naval blockade on Iran.

The crew were aboard a tanker intercepted by US authorities during heightened tensions in the Gulf after Washington imposed a naval blockade on Iranian oil shipments following the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, when US and Israeli strikes targeted Iran. Tehran has described the seizure as illegal and part of US pressure tactics during the conflict.

Earlier in May, Pakistan had facilitated the transfer of 22 Iranian crew members held aboard the container ship MV Touska, which US forces had seized in the Gulf of Oman. Pakistani officials had described that move as a "confidence-building measure" between Washington and Tehran.

Later that same month, Pakistan had announced the successful repatriation of 11 Pakistani nationals along with 20 Iranian citizens who had been aboard vessels seized by the US in international waters. FM Dar had said that all 31 individuals were in good health and had arrived in Bangkok from Singapore before boarding a flight to Islamabad.

He had thanked the governments of Singapore, Thailand and the US for facilitating the repatriation process and also acknowledged the cooperation of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.