An Iranian cargo ship carrying vital medical supplies needed for treatment has been released after being seized by the United States and held for 95 days, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, as reported by CNN.
The vessel, M/V Touska, which was detained on April 20, was reportedly carrying eight containers of materials that could support up to 44,000 dialysis patients. Dialysis is a medical treatment that filters waste from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform their normal functions.
The release of the shipment came after the Iranian Red Crescent Society worked with 17 international and humanitarian organizations to secure the return of the cargo, according to reports.
Part of the shipment was delivered on Monday, while the remaining supplies arrived on Tuesday at a company affiliated with the Iranian Red Crescent, according to Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency.
“This ship, which on April 20 of this year was transporting essential supplies and equipment for dialysis patients, was seized by American pirates,” an Iranian Red Crescent spokesperson told Mehr.
“With the arrival of this shipment, the essential dialysis equipment needs of around 44,000 dialysis patients across the country will be met,” the spokesperson added.
Background: The Iranian-flagged vessel was seized by US Marines after allegedly challenging Washington’s restrictions on Iranian ports. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it repeatedly warned the Touska over a six-hour period as the container ship was sailing through the Arabian Sea toward Bandar Abbas, Iran.
