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Iran Says 15 More Crew of US-Seized Ship Released, Media Reports

Iran reports 15 more crew members of the US-seized Iranian container ship Touska have been released, bringing the total freed to 21 out of 28. The ship was seized by US forces on April 19 off Chabahar under a naval blockade targeting Iranian shipping. The vessel is tied to a network of ships sailing to China and suspected of transporting materials with potential military use. US officials have not disclosed what the ship was carrying.

Key Points: Iran: 15 More Crew of US-Seized Ship Released

  • 15 more crew of US-seized Iranian ship Touska released
  • Total 21 of 28 crew now freed
  • Ship seized April 19 off Chabahar under US naval blockade
  • Vessel linked to Chinese ports and suspected military supply routes
2 min read

Another 15 crew members of US-seized Iranian ship released: Media

Iran reports 15 more crew members of the US-seized Iranian ship Touska have been released, bringing total freed to 21 out of 28.

"The Iranian-flagged vessel, the Touska, was boarded and seized by US forces off the coast of Iran's southeastern port of Chabahar in the Gulf of Oman on April 19. - Fars news agency"

Tehran, May 5

Fifteen of the remaining 22 crew members of an Iranian container ship seized by the United States last month have entered Iran, media reported.

The Iranian-flagged vessel, the Touska, was boarded and seized by US forces off the coast of Iran's southeastern port of Chabahar in the Gulf of Oman on April 19 under a US naval blockade targeting Iranian shipping.

Semi-official Fars news agency said on Monday that the ship had a total of 28 crew members, who were taken into US custody.

It added that six were released earlier, Xinhua news agency reported.

The semi-official Tasnim news agency also reported their arrival.

The United States imposed restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz following failed post-ceasefire negotiations with Iran in Islamabad on April 11-12, according to earlier reports.

The cargo ship seized by US forces was part of a fleet linked to Chinese ports and suspected supply routes, a media report said.

The M/V Touska, an Iranian-flagged container vessel, is tied to a network of ships that frequently sail to China and have been linked to transporting materials with potential military use, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The ship was intercepted after attempting to breach a US naval blockade and was later boarded by American forces following warning shots that disabled its engine, according to reports.

Shipping data cited by The Wall Street Journal showed the vessel had visited the southern Chinese port of Zhuhai twice in the weeks before it was seized.

The Touska is controlled by a sanctioned Iranian company accused of transporting items for Tehran's ballistic missile programme, the report said.

US officials have not disclosed what the ship was carrying.

Analysts said the attempt to cross an active blockade suggests the cargo may have been important.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Another example of how global geopolitics affects ordinary sailors. 28 crew members held for weeks? What about their families? 😢 Hope all of them are released soon, regardless of who's right or wrong.
R
Rohit P
The US blockade of Iranian shipping is illegal under international law. Who gave them the right to stop and search vessels in the Gulf of Oman? This is pure aggression. Iran has every right to protest diplomatically.
K
Kavya N
India must be careful. Our energy security depends on stable Gulf waters. We should mediate between US and Iran if possible, like we've done before. Chaahiye toh sabko stability 😅
S
Siddharth J
Interesting how this ship was going to China twice before being seized. China is playing both sides - buying Iranian oil secretly while maintaining ties with US. Typical. India should learn their diplomacy tricks.
M
Meera T
The article mentions the ship carried materials for ballistic missiles. If true, then US action is justified. We can't have more instability in West Asia. But releasing crew is humane, glad 15 are safe now.
V
Vikram M
Our government should clarify its position on the Strait of Hormuz blockade. As a major importer of oil, we can't afford disruptions. Need to talk to both Iran

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