A Pakistan-flagged oil tanker has become the first non-Iranian vessel to pass through the Strait of Hormuz with its tracking system active since Iran asserted control over the vital shipping lane amid ongoing conflict.
The tanker, identified as the Karachi, was reportedly allowed safe passage along a northern route near Larak Island, suggesting coordination with Iranian authorities. The transit comes after weeks of disruption, during which multiple vessels were targeted in the region.
Analysts say the move reflects a selective strategy by Iran, allowing certain ships, particularly from friendly or strategically important partners, to pass while maintaining pressure on global oil supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil flows, has become a focal point of geopolitical tension. The conflict has already reduced Gulf exports significantly and pushed energy prices sharply higher.
Experts warn that while limited safe-passage arrangements could ease market volatility, any escalation or full blockade would deepen the global energy crisis and potentially trigger broader international intervention.
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