Two tankers carrying Iranian crude oil are signalling Pakistan as their destination, an unusual routing move that suggests they are seeking a safe harbour as the United States enforces a renewed maritime blockade on Iran.
The vessels, identified as the Rani and the Amil, are carrying a combined cargo of 1 million barrels and may be heading to Pakistani waters to wait out the enforcement or to transfer their cargoes to other ships.
This development marks a tangible escalation in the logistical challenges facing traders attempting to move Iranian energy exports following Washington's decision to reinstate the blockade.
The move underscores the immediate operational friction caused by the policy shift, as shippers scramble to find neutral jurisdictions to avoid seizure or sanctions penalties.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of tension, with the blockade heightening risks for all maritime traffic in the region.
While previous reports indicated that tanker flows had normalized after earlier vessel strikes, the reinstatement of the blockade has reintroduced significant uncertainty into the shipping corridor.