In a significant blow to Pakistan's maritime and diplomatic interests, the United States military has turned back two Pakistani ships near the Strait of Hormuz. The incident occurred on Tuesday when the vessels attempted to navigate the strategic waterway. Following orders from the US forces, the Pakistani ships retreated, highlighting the escalating tensions in the region despite Pakistan's ongoing efforts to mediate between Washington and Tehran.
US Intervention Despite Iranian Permissions
According to reports by Al Arabiya, the two Pakistani-flagged vessels were intercepted by the US military while attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. This action comes despite Iran having granted Pakistan 20 special passes for the safe passage of its vessels through the strait. Iran had promised to ensure the security of Pakistani ships under this arrangement. While Pakistan has already utilized 4 of these passes successfully, this latest intervention by the US has disrupted the established transit plan.
The US Blockade and Selective Interceptions
The United States has declared a blockade outside the Strait of Hormuz, deploying approximately 10,000 troops across the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Despite this blockade, the first day saw 20 ships, including those from China and other nations, passing through the route without hindrance. However, the Washington Post reported that the US military intercepted only 6 ships in total, two of which belonged to Pakistan. This selective enforcement has raised concerns within the Pakistani administration.
Response from Pakistan's Shipping Ministry
The Pakistani government has officially declined to provide a formal statement on the matter. However, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Pakistan's Minister for Shipping, acknowledged that the country is facing difficulties similar to other nations in the region. He stated that the government is in continuous dialogue to resolve the issue. An official from the Pakistan Shipping Department told Al Arabiya that while they were less concerned when Iran had previously blocked the route, the current action by the US to turn back their ships is a major cause for worry.
Impact on Upcoming Peace Negotiations
This development is particularly striking as it occurs just two days before scheduled peace deal negotiations between Iran and the US in Islamabad. Pakistan has been highly active in facilitating a diplomatic resolution between the two nations. The interception of Pakistani vessels by the US military at such a critical juncture is seen as a major setback for Islamabad's role as a mediator and its regional maritime operations.