Iran sent Pakistani ship SELEN back from the Strait of Hormuz, taking a strict stance amid peace efforts…

Iran has once again proved that it keeps a close watch on the ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz and does not allow any ship to pass easily without permission. On March 23, a Pakistani container ship bound for Karachi was stopped by Iran at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz because it had not obtained prior permission from Iranian authorities.

The ship was SELEN, which had departed from Sharjah Anchorage. According to AIS tracking data, the ship was heading towards Pakistan, but when it approached Hormuz, it suddenly changed course and turned back towards the Gulf. The navy of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the action and said the ship was not following legal protocols.

Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri said that from now on every ship will have to coordinate with Iranian maritime authorities before transiting the Strait of Hormuz. SELEN is a small feeder containership that sails under the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis and is operated by Dubai-based company Exceed Oceanic Trading LLC. Iran sent the ship back without any damage, but the incident has served as a warning to the shipping industry.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has offered to hold talks between America and Iran. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan is ready to host talks to resolve the conflict. US President Donald Trump shared Sharif’s statement on social media, but did not confirm Washington’s participation. However, Iran has not yet confirmed the talks and clearly stated that it intends to continue the conflict. Despite Pakistan’s peace initiative, Iran’s tough stance has been seen.