Iran has intercepted and turned back a crude oil tanker heading to Pakistan through the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route for global energy shipments.
According to reports, the tanker named Selen was sailing toward Pakistan’s Karachi port when Iranian authorities denied passage and ordered it to return.
The Strait of Hormuz carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply and runs along Iran’s coastline. Following US–Israel attacks on Iran, Tehran has shut the route, disrupting crude supply and pushing up international prices.
Iran has allowed limited movement of ships to countries including India and China. It has also recently introduced a crossing fee of Rs 18.8 crore, with plans to use the proceeds for war-related needs.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said the Selen attempted to cross without authorization and issued a warning. The tanker subsequently turned back toward the Persian Gulf, a development confirmed by Iran’s embassy in Kabul.
