Iran blocks Karachi-bound ship from passing through Strait of Hormuz

The IRGC Navy stopped a Karachi-bound vessel from crossing the Strait of Hormuz due to lack of permission as West Asia tensions continue to escalate

PGurus Newsdesk

March 25, 2026

IRGC Navy says ship violated maritime protocols while attempting to cross strategic waterway

IRGC Navy says ship failed to comply with legal protocols amid heightened tensions in West Asia

In a significant development amid escalating tensions in West Asia, Iran on Wednesday turned back a Karachi-bound container vessel after it allegedly failed to obtain permission to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

According to a statement issued by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, the vessel named SELEN was stopped and ordered to return because it did not comply with mandatory maritime protocols required for transit through the strait.

“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 Hormuz Strait,” the Embassy of Iran in Kabul said in a statement.

Strategic waterway under tighter control

Iranian authorities stressed that all vessels must coordinate with Iranian maritime officials before passing through the strait.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime routes, carrying nearly one-fifth of global oil and gas trade. Shipping activity in the area has slowed significantly since the outbreak of the latest conflict in West Asia.

Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri confirmed that the ship was turned back for failing to secure the required transit approval.

He added that vessels seeking to cross the strait must now coordinate closely with Iranian maritime authorities.

Iran signals stronger control over shipping

Iranian lawmaker Alaeddin Boroujerdi said the move reflects what he described as a new “sovereign regime” governing shipping through the strait.

He claimed that Iran has begun collecting transit fees of up to $2 million from certain vessels, describing it as a demonstration of the country’s authority over the critical waterway.

Trump extends deadline for reopening the strait

The incident comes as Donald Trump extended his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying Washington would delay potential military action against Iranian energy infrastructure for five more days.

Posting on his platform Truth Social, Trump said the United States and Iran had held “very good and productive conversations” that could potentially lead to a resolution of the conflict.

However, Iran’s foreign ministry denied that negotiations with Washington were underway and urged the US to de-escalate tensions.

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