Why It Matters
The Islamic Republic of Iran has been actively pursuing the release and return of the Galaxy Leader crew through diplomatic channels for several months. The crew returned to their countries on Thursday, February 25, via Oman.
The Big Picture:
The crew of the Galaxy Leader, who were stranded due to the critical situation in the region and recent conflicts in Yemen and Gaza, returned to their countries via Oman on Thursday, February 25, 1403 (January 29, 2025). This return was the result of diplomatic efforts and mediations carried out by both the Islamic Republic and Oman.
Key Points:
The ship's crew consisted of 25 individuals from various nationalities, including Filipinos, Mexicans, Romanians, Bulgarians, and Ukrainians.
The crew had previously been taken hostage following tensions and military clashes in the region.
What They Say
The Philippine Foreign Minister described Iran's assistance in returning the Filipino sailors as a sign of the long-standing friendship and goodwill in relations between the two countries. He sincerely appreciated Iran's valuable cooperation and support in this regard.
Between the Lines
Earlier, the Mexican government also expressed gratitude to the Islamic Republic of Iran for its assistance in returning several Mexican nationals from the Galaxy Leadership.
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