Pakistan seeks Singapore help for repatriation of stranded seafarers amid Gulf tensions

• FM Ishaq Dar contacts Singapore FM for support in facilitating welfare and repatriation of 11 Pakistani and 20 Iranian seafarers

• US authorities have seized multiple vessels in recent weeks since imposing a blockade of the Iranian ports in Strait of Hormuz

• Pakistan thanks Singapore for the cooperation, says stands ready to facilitate the repatriation of Iranian nationals via Pakistan

 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has sought Singapore’s assistance for the repatriation of over 30 Pakistani and Iranian nationals who were aboard vessels seized by the United States (US), Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday.

In a post on X, FM Dar said he held a telephone conversation with Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan regarding 11 Pakistani and 20 Iranian seafarers aboard vessels reportedly seized by US authorities and currently located near Singaporean waters.

Spoke with Singaporean Foreign Minister H. E. Vivian Balakrishnan @VivianBala and requested Singapore’s support in facilitating the welfare and repatriation of 11 Pakistani and 20 Iranian seafarers, aboard vessels seized by U.S. authorities and currently near Singaporean waters.…

— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) May 8, 2026

“I requested Singapore’s support in facilitating the welfare and repatriation of 11 Pakistani and 20 Iranian seafarers,” he said.

The US authorities have seized multiple vessels in recent weeks after the US Navy imposed a blockade of Iranian ports in response to Tehran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, following the breakdown of initial talks aimed at ending a more than two-month-long conflict.

FM Dar said Pakistan appreciated Singapore’s cooperation and support in the matter. “Pakistan, through its Foreign Office and relevant authorities, is closely coordinating with US authorities and others to ensure the safety, welfare, and earliest possible return of our nationals,” he added.

He further said he had also spoken with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, adding that both sides were maintaining close coordination on the issue.

“Pakistan also stands ready to facilitate the safe repatriation of Iranian nationals to Iran via Pakistan,” he stated.

The development comes amid renewed hostilities between the US and Iran, as Washington awaits Tehran’s response to a US proposal aimed at halting the fighting while leaving key contentious issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme, unresolved for now.

Although a ceasefire was reportedly reached on April 8, tensions remain high, with US President Donald Trump saying the truce is still holding despite ongoing instability.

The conflict has left hundreds of ships and around 20,000 seafarers stranded in the Gulf, while maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted due to renewed attacks on vessels.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China also confirmed on Friday that an oil products tanker carrying Chinese crew was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, expressing serious concern over the safety of vessels affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said during a regular briefing that Chinese nationals were aboard the vessel, though no casualties had been reported so far.

Meanwhile, the fragile ceasefire was further strained as the United Arab Emirates reported responding to a missile and drone attack, although no immediate damage was reported.