Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on 4 may that 22 crew members from the container ship Touska, which was seized by the US last month, arrived in Pakistan on 3 may. The crew will be handed over to Iranian authorities today.

"The Iranian ship will also be returned to Pakistani waters to be given back to its original owner after repairs," the statement added.

The cargo ship Touska at sea on 20 april. Photo: AFP

Pakistan described this move as a "confidence-building measure" from the US, adding that the repatriation process for the ship and crew is being carried out in coordination with both Washington and Tehran.

US President Donald Trump stated on 19 april that the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska attempted to breach a US naval blockade but was unsuccessful. The US destroyer USS Spruance then pursued Touska and ordered it to stop. When the Iranian crew refused to comply, the US warship fired upon the vessel's engine room.

US soldiers board and seize the Iranian cargo ship on 19 april. Video: CENTCOM

Washington and Tehran maintain a ceasefire, but the prospect of a lasting peace agreement remains unclear. During this period, the two countries continue to clash over issues surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

Since the conflict began, Iran has blockaded the Strait of Hormuz to most vessels, except its own and those of some "friendly" nations. Conversely, the US imposed a counter-blockade on all Iranian ports from 13 april.

The strategic location of the Strait of Hormuz. Graphics: Guardian

President Trump announced on 3 may the launch of "Operation 'Project Freedom'" to escort cargo ships through the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "humanitarian gesture from the US and Iran."

However, Chairman of Iran's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee Ebrahim Azizi warned that any US attempt to intervene in the Strait of Hormuz would be considered a violation of the ceasefire.

By Ngoc Anh (CNN, AFP)