Iran stops Pakistan-bound ship from crossing Hormuz over lack of permission

A container ship heading to Pakistan has been halted by Iranian forces as it attempted to cross the Strait of Hormuz during the rising tensions in the Middle East. The ship, named SELEN, was traveling from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates to Karachi when it was ordered to turn back at the entrance to this vital waterway because it did not have the required transit permission, according to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In the ongoing conflict with the US and Israel, Iran has effectively restricted access to the Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf to global markets, while claiming it allows safe passage for ships from Israel, the US, and other involved parties. The strait is crucial as approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through it, but recent attacks on vessels have halted most tanker traffic. IRGC Navy commander Alireza Tangsiri stated on X that, “The container ship SELEN was turned back by the IRGC Navy due to failure to comply with legal protocols and lack of permission to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.” He emphasized that any vessel wishing to navigate this route must fully coordinate with Iran’s maritime authority, adding that this achievement is supported by the proud people of Iran. Iran has expressed its commitment to oversee the “open” navigation of the Strait of Hormuz. It has indicated that “non-hostile” vessels can arrange for passage by coordinating with Iranian authorities beforehand, and in some cases, may need to pay for it. However, ships linked to their adversaries will not be allowed to cross. As the conflict continues in the Middle East, Pakistan is seeking to position itself as a mediator for “meaningful and conclusive talks” between the US and Iran to resolve the situation. Islamabad aims to be a possible venue for discussions, building on its relationship with US President Donald Trump and its status as a relatively neutral country with longstanding ties to Iran’s Islamic Republic.