Pakistan's Aframax Tanker Karachi Transits the Strait of Hormuz Amid Regional Tensions

On March 15, 2026, the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation's Aframax tanker, Karachi, became the first non-Iranian crude oil tanker to transit the Strait of Hormuz while broadcasting its Automatic Identification System (AIS) signal since the onset of the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran on February 28. The Karachi, which loaded Das crude oil at Das Island, Abu Dhabi, entered Iran's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and navigated closely along the Iranian coastline before successfully crossing the Strait.

Iran Let Pakistan's Tanker Through — Hormuz Is ControlledBloomberg

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint, handling approximately 20% of the world's oil supply. Since the escalation of military actions in the region, shipping through this vital waterway has significantly diminished. Prior to the conflict, an average of 138 vessels transited daily; however, this number has plummeted to about two per day. The Karachi's passage marks a notable exception in a landscape where Western commercial shipping has largely ceased.

Bloomberg

Iran has implemented a selective access regime rather than a full blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iranian officials, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri, vessels wishing to pass must obtain permission from Iran, which is indicative of the geopolitical dynamics at play. The Karachi's successful transit was facilitated by direct communication between the Pakistan Navy and Iranian naval authorities, highlighting a cooperative approach amid heightened tensions.

Iran Let Pakistan's Tanker Through — Hormuz Is Controlled

The Karachi's transit may set a precedent for future maritime operations in the region. If other nations, particularly China—responsible for 38% of Hormuz crude flows—secure similar arrangements, the selective access regime could reshape the geopolitical landscape of oil markets. Currently, state-backed vessels from Pakistan and India have received individual clearances, while other nations await similar opportunities.

Iran Let Pakistan's Tanker Through — Hormuz Is Controlled

Despite the successful passage of the Karachi, critics express concern over the implications of Iran's selective access regime. The potential for a geopolitically sorted oil market raises alarms about the stability of maritime trade routes and the broader implications for global oil supply. Observers are wary of how these developments might affect international relations and economic stability in the region.

Iran Let Pakistan's Tanker Through — Hormuz Is Controlled

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi publicly thanked Pakistan for its support, emphasizing the cooperative nature of the transit. The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation confirmed that the Karachi departed from Fujairah on February 25 and is expected to arrive in Pakistan on March 18.

Iran Let Pakistan's Tanker Through — Hormuz Is Controlled

While the Karachi's transit is confirmed, discrepancies exist regarding the overall impact on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Some reports indicate that other vessels have also navigated the strait, albeit under varying conditions and routes. The full extent of the conflict's impact on maritime operations remains to be seen.

Bloomberg

• “The Strait of Hormuz has not been militarily blocked and is merely under control. Any vessel intending to pass must obtain permission from Iran.” — Alireza Tangsiri, IRGC Navy Commander

Iran Let Pakistan's Tanker Through — Hormuz Is Controlled

• “No escort was needed, being Pakistani vessels.” — Military Source

Iran Let Pakistan's Tanker Through — Hormuz Is Controlled

• “It is a selective access regime where passage is determined by political alignment.” — Iranian Official

Iran Let Pakistan's Tanker Through — Hormuz Is Controlled