KARACHI: Iranian Consul General in Karachi, Akbar Essaizadeh, has stated that the Strait of Hormuz is open for Pakistani ships, particularly those carrying crude oil or natural gas.
In an interview with Geo News, Essaizadeh clarified that vessels can transit through the strategic waterway by coordinating with the Iranian government. “Ships carrying crude oil or gas can pass through the Strait of Hormuz by contacting the Iranian government,” he said, adding that ships from many other countries, including Pakistan, are permitted to use the route.
The Consul General emphasized that the Strait remains open for international trade but is closed to specific nations. “The Strait of Hormuz is closed only to the United States, Israel and their allies,” he stated. “It is open for international trade, except for countries involved in aggression.”
His remarks come amid heightened regional tensions and follow the recent passage of a Pakistani-flagged tanker through the waterway near the Iranian coast.
According to a report by the American magazine Bloomberg, the Pakistani tanker “Karachi” transited through a narrow passage between the Iranian islands of Lark and Qeshm on Sunday. The vessel, carrying more than 80 million liters of oil, subsequently moved along the coast towards the Gulf of Oman on its journey to Pakistan.
Bloomberg characterized the tanker’s passage as a “symbol of safe passage,” highlighting the role of Iran’s informal marine traffic control system. The report suggested that the successful transit indicates an approved route by Iran, demonstrating that Iranian approval is a prerequisite for ships navigating the area.
The development has drawn broader regional attention. According to Bloomberg, several countries, including India and Turkey, have formally requested safe passage from Iran. Meanwhile, insurance companies and banks are reportedly expressing concern over the increasing risks associated with the Ir
anian route.
