Iran has shifted to a permission-based transit system for the Strait of Hormuz, allowing only vessels from friendly countries to pass. Data from maritime intelligence firm Windward shows at least five ships-including the Pakistani-flagged oil tanker Karachi-exited via Iranian coastal waters on March 15-16, 2026.
JPMorgan commodities analyst Natasha Kaneva confirmed four vessels used the nonstandard Larak-Qeshm Channel near Iran’s coast-a route suggesting vetting of ownership and cargo. The Karachi transited with its AIS transponder active, unlike most vessels avoiding detection.
Two Indian LPG tankers reached Gujarat’s Vadinar Port on March 17 after diplomatic coordination. A Turkish-owned vessel also received Iranian clearance, per Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu. Crude flows remain largely directed toward Asia-especially China.