Pakistan, March 17 -- Iran has asked India to release three tankers seized earlier this year as part of ongoing discussions aimed at ensuring the safe passage of vessels through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Indian authorities had detained the vessels near their waters in February, alleging that they concealed or altered their identities and were involved in illegal ship-to-ship transfers at sea. The tankers - Asphalt Star, Al Jafzia and Stellar Ruby - remain anchored off Mumbai as investigations continue.

Iran has raised the issue during diplomatic engagements, with its ambassador to New Delhi meeting Indian foreign ministry officials on Monday. Alongside the request for the ta...