Pakistan facilitates repatriation of 22 Iranian crew members after U.S. interdiction

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan announced Friday that 22 Iranian crew members from the vessel Lenore/Davina, recently intercepted by U.S. authorities, have arrived in Karachi and will be repatriated to Iran, marking the latest development in a diplomatic push following an interim peace agreement between Tehran and Washington.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar said in a social media post that arrangements were being finalized in coordination with Iranian missions in Pakistan to ensure the crew’s safe and swift return to their homeland.

I am pleased to share that twenty two (22) Iranian crew members of the vessel Lenore/Davina, recently interdicted by US authorities, have safely arrived in Karachi this afternoon, AlhamdoLilah.

Arrangements are now being finalised in close collaboration with the Iranian… https://t.co/wnxfUNhlmw

— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) June 26, 2026

The repatriation follows an interim peace accord signed between Iran and the United States in Switzerland, with Pakistan and Qatar serving as mediators, according to Dar. Both sides have agreed to restore diplomatic engagement and plan to hold technical-level talks next week.

Dar said Pakistan remained in close contact with both U.S. and Iranian authorities throughout the process, helping to secure the crew’s safe arrival in Karachi after the vessel’s interdiction.

The group represents the fourth batch of Iranian crew members whose repatriation Pakistan has facilitated over the past two months, Dar said. With the latest 22, Pakistan has now assisted in returning more than 70 Iranian nationals.

Dar expressed gratitude to the Iranian leadership for its trust in Pakistan and commended the efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Pakistani institutions for ensuring the smooth and safe repatriation.

Iran’s state-run news agency IRNA reported that the crew members were handed over to Iranian diplomats in Karachi and are expected to return to Iran in the coming days. Iran’s consulate general in Karachi also confirmed the arrival, saying the 22 sailors “will return to their homeland in the coming days.”

Earlier this month, Dar announced that Pakistan was facilitating the repatriation of 30 Iranian nationals as part of coordinated arrangements with relevant authorities. That group included eight Iranian fishermen rescued at sea by the British vessel MMA Valour after their boat ran aground, along with 22 crew members from the Lenore/Davina, whose return was being coordinated through Pakistan, he said at the time.