Twenty-two Iranian sailors, previously detained by US authorities, have arrived in Karachi, Pakistan, according to Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. He stated that the sailors will soon be repatriated to Iran. Their release followed a preliminary agreement signed between Tehran and Washington in Switzerland, under which both sides agreed to restore diplomatic relations and resume technical-level discussions next week.

Dar said on social media that Pakistan is arranging for the sailors’ safe return to Iran as soon as possible. He added that Pakistan maintained close coordination with both US and Iranian authorities throughout the process, which enabled the sailors’ safe transfer to Karachi. Pakistan has so far assisted in the repatriation of more than 70 Iranian nationals.

Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported that the sailors have been handed over to Iranian diplomats in Karachi and are expected to return to Iran within the next few days.