Tasnim: Iran secures release of 6 people from US-seized container ship

Tehran has secured the release of six crew members of the container ship Touska, which was seized by US forces, the Iranian news agency Tasnim reports.

The sailors have already returned to their homeland. The country’s authorities are continuing efforts to secure the release of the remaining 22 crew members, the report says.

“Iran has also stated that at this stage it refuses to deploy forces to free the vessel due to the presence of Iranian crew members and their families on board; however, it plans to formally seek their release and take other necessary measures in this regard,” the statement reads.

Earlier, Trump said that the Touska had attempted to break through the US naval blockade, which has been in place since April 13. Through the blockade of Iranian ports, the US aims to push Tehran toward a deal.

According to The Washington Post, the Touska was returning from the Chinese port of Gaolan in Zhuhai. In response to the detention of the vessel, Iranian armed forces stated that they had carried out drone strikes on US naval ships.