KARACHI: Iran has granted special permission to two Pakistan-linked vessels to transit the strategic Strait of Hormuz, allowing them to exit the Gulf after being stranded for nearly a month amid escalating regional conflict, shipping sources said.
The vessels — a Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) ship “Multan”, and a chartered tanker “P. Aliki” — successfully crossed the critical waterway and are now en route to Pakistan.
The chartered vessel is carrying approximately 85 million litres of crude oil. Both ships are expected to reach Pakistan by March 31.
The development comes after the ships remained stuck in the Gulf for weeks following the outbreak of hostilities, which led to heightened risks for commercial shipping.
The vessels began their transit from near Gulf states a day earlier before clearing the strait with Iranian approval.
Since the conflict began about four weeks ago, Iran has reportedly targeted several vessels in the Gulf, effectively restricting movement through the Strait of Hormuz — a vital artery that handles around one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
The disruption has contributed to rising global energy prices and concerns over supply chains.
Earlier on March 16, another PNSC-operated tanker, “Karachi,” successfully navigated the strait despite heightened tensions.
At the time, shipping activity through the strait had declined sharply due to security concerns, as Iran warned it could target vessels linked to the United States and its allies, while assuring safe passage for ships from friendly countries.
Adding a geopolitical dimension, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed had claimed that Iran allowed the “Karachi” tanker to pass after the shipment was settled in Chinese currency, yuan, calling it a sign of shifting regional dynamics.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy transit chokepoints, and any disruption continues to fuel uncertainty in global markets. The safe passage of Pakistan-bound vessels signals limited operational openings, even as tensions persist in the region.
