ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - The Pakistani foreign ministry said Monday that the US has evacuated 22 crew members from the seized Iranian ship Touska to Pakistan, describing it as a “confidence-building measure.”

On April 19, US President Donald Trump announced that an Iranian-flagged vessel, identified as Touska, tried to pass the US naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz, and was subsequently struck and later seized by the American forces in the Sea of Oman.

The Pakistani ministry said the crew were flown to Pakistan and will be “handed over to Iranian authorities, while the vessel will be returned after repairs, with efforts coordinated with both the Iranian and US sides.”

The individuals arrived in Pakistan overnight and are expected to be transferred to Iranian officials later in the day, according to the statement.

“The Iranian ship will also be backloaded to Pakistani territorial waters for return to its original owners after necessary repairs,” the statement said.

Islamabad welcomed the development, saying it “will continue to facilitate dialogue and diplomacy while pursuing ongoing mediation efforts for regional peace and security.”

Following the US seizure, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said the attack on Touska was “a violation of the ceasefire and maritime piracy,” vowing to respond.

The Touska is under US Treasury sanctions over alleged previous illegal activity.

Trump on Sunday said neutral countries have asked the US to help move their ships out of the Strait of Hormuz. The operation, termed “Project Freedom” and supported by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), will begin on Monday.

Hours later, Khatam al-Anbiya warned that “any foreign armed force, especially the US military, will be targeted” if it attempts to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz.

It added that “the security of the Strait of Hormuz is in the hands of the Iranian armed forces, and that any safe navigation will be coordinated with them.”