Pakistan to facilitate repatriation of 30 Iranian nationals

Pakistan says it will facilitate the repatriation of 30 Iranian nationals following separate maritime incidents involving vessels in the Indian Ocean and surrounding waters.

According to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the group includes 8 Iranian fishermen rescued at sea by the British vessel MMA Valour after their boat ran aground, as well as 22 Iranian crew members from the vessel Lenore/Davina, which was recently intercepted by U.S. authorities, Caliber.Az reports. 

Pakistan is pleased to facilitate the repatriation of 30 Iranian nationals.

This includes 8 Iranian fishermen rescued at sea by the British vessel MMA Valour after their boat ran aground, and 22 Iranian crew members from the vessel Lenore/Davina, recently interdicted by US…

— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) June 17, 2026

Dar said both groups are expected to transit through Karachi in the coming days, and that Pakistan is coordinating with Iranian, U.S., and British authorities to ensure their safe passage and return to Iran. He emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to humanitarian cooperation and assistance for Iranian citizens.

He also said Pakistan remains engaged with relevant authorities to support the repatriation process.

As a reminder, the U.S. Navy detained the tanker M/T Davina (also known as Lenore) in the Indian Ocean with a cargo of 1.9 million barrels of Iranian crude oil.

By Sabina Mammadli