Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) detained a Pakistani oil tanker named ‘Selen’ in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement posted on social media. The vessel, flying Pakistan’s flag, was traveling from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates to Karachi when it was stopped for entering the area without prior authorization from Iranian maritime authorities. After initial questioning of the captain and crew, the ship was released but instructed to avoid the strait and take an alternative route.

The incident occurred as Pakistan has been acting as a mediator between the United States and Iran to ease ongoing tensions. The IRGC stated that the order to halt and redirect the vessel was due to “legal violations” and the failure to obtain necessary clearance. It emphasized that all ships must secure permission from Iranian maritime authorities before passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The episode highlights the sensitivity of navigation rules in the strategic waterway during a period of diplomatic engagement involving Pakistan, Iran, and the United States.