Twenty Iranian sailors have returned to Iran following Pakistan’s successful efforts to secure their release from an oil tanker detained by US authorities for alleged sanctions violations. The tanker, named Majestic X, was boarded by the US Navy on April 23.
Alongside the Iranian crew members, eleven Pakistani sailors were also freed. Pakistan played a key role in coordinating with Singapore, Thailand, and US officials to facilitate the crew’s safe return.
The sailors were initially transported from Singapore to Islamabad, where the Pakistani nationals departed for home. The Iranian crew then left Islamabad for Tehran on Thursday.
Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for their persistent humanitarian efforts in securing the sailors’ release. He publicly expressed his gratitude to the Pakistani government and relevant institutions for their involvement in the process.
In a social media post, the ambassador highlighted the compassionate actions of Pakistan’s government in resolving the precarious situation faced by the Iranian sailors due to the tanker’s seizure. He noted the diplomatic efforts that enabled the transfer of the crew from Singapore to Islamabad before their repatriation.
This development occurs amid escalating regional tensions surrounding oil shipments and sanctions enforcement. It also represents the second recent instance of Pakistan mediating on behalf of Iranian nationals in a similar context.
