A tanker once again traverses the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran saying the waterway is only closed to "enemies."

**March 16 — Ship tracking data shows an Aframax oil tanker named *Karachi* has successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz and is now heading to Pakistan. It is one of the few tankers to leave the Persian Gulf since the U.S. launched attacks on Iran.** **The tanker, operated by the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, completed passage through a channel near Iran’s coast last Sunday and is currently near Sohar. Recent vessels transiting the strait have generally hugged the Iranian side to minimize risks.** **The Strait of Hormuz — a critical global oil artery handling ~20% of seaborne oil trade — was nearly paralyzed amid escalating regional tensions. Countries are closely monitoring any resumption of shipping. Some nations have negotiated passage arrangements with Tehran: for example, India secured permission for two LPG tankers to transit.** **Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strait is not fully closed, only “off-limits to ships from hostile countries.” Iran’s new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, noted Tehran will retain the strategic option to close the strait.** **As the Middle East conflict enters its third week, shipping risks in the strait remain elevated. Former President Trump has repeatedly called on countries to send warships for merchant vessel escorts to restore the waterway, but allies like Japan have not yet signaled participation. Industry insiders warn full shipping recovery could take several weeks even if tensions ease.**