Over 3,600 Russian Tourists Stranded in Sri Lanka Until Late March

Middle East outlets highlight the Iranian sailors’ plight and the pressure on Sri Lanka and India to treat them humanely while respecting sanctions and maritime rules. They stress that Colombo’s one‑month visas are a temporary fix and that both South Asian governments must balance relations with Iran against legal and political risks. Future reporting expects Tehran to push for full relief for its sailors and ships, while New Delhi and Colombo seek a solution that does not invite outside criticism.

• •Iranian sailors on at least one vessel off Sri Lanka’s coast have been stranded without clear legal status.
• •Sri Lanka’s decision to grant one‑month visas is framed as a humanitarian step toward the Iranian crews.
• •Indian and Sri Lankan officials are consulting on how to handle the Iranian ships without breaching sanctions or maritime law.
• •Iranian officials want their sailors to receive safe harbor and the right to disembark or travel home.
• •Regional commentators warn that mishandling the Iranian sailors could strain ties between Iran and South Asian governments.