Crew members on seized Iranian ship will be handed over

22 crew members on board an Iranian container ship that was seized by the US last month have been evacuated to Pakistan, and will be "handed over to the Iranian authorities today", the Pakistani government says.

US forces seized the Touska last month, after firing at its engine room. Iran called it "piracy", while President Trump said the ship "tried to get past our naval blockade, and it did not go well for them".

Pakistan says the repatriation of the crew is "a confidence-building measure by the United States of America".

It adds: "The Iranian ship will also be backloaded to Pakistani territorial waters for return to its original owners after necessary repairs.

"These returns are being coordinated in tandem with the support of both the Iranian and US sides.

"Pakistan welcomes such confidence-building measures and will continue to facilitate dialogue and diplomacy while pursuing ongoing mediation efforts for regional peace and security."

-BBC