Pakistani Oil Tanker Transits Strait of Hormuz Amid Regional Tensions

A Pakistani-flagged Aframax tanker, Karachi, carrying Abu Dhabi crude, recently transited the Strait of Hormuz while broadcasting its AIS signal, marking the first non-Iranian vessel to do so since regional tensions escalated. The tanker sailed close to Iran's coast, suggesting possible negotiated safe passage amid significantly reduced traffic due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Pakistan maintains diplomatic ties with Iran and Western allies, navigating a complex regional situation as Iran selectively allows certain shipments through the strategic waterway.