United States Hands Over Crew of Detained Iranian Oil Tanker to Pakistan

The United States has handed over the crew members of the oil tanker "MT Lenore" to Pakistani authorities, following the vessel's detention in the Indian Ocean recently. Pakistan, in turn, proceeded to deliver these Iranian sailors to the Iranian diplomatic mission in Karachi port, as part of arrangements aimed at facilitating their return to the Islamic Republic. Meanwhile, Iranian media reports confirmed the handover of the crew members from an Iranian oil tanker, previously detained by Washington, to the Iranian consulate in Karachi, Pakistan. Amidst these developments, Iranian media sources indicated the opening of a communication channel between Washington and Tehran concerning vital issues related to the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian television also reported that three oil tankers attempted to cross the Strait but turned back after receiving warnings from the IRGC Navy, which clearly affirmed that passage through the Strait of Hormuz is only permissible via the specific routes declared by Tehran.