Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed has claimed that Iran allowed Pakistan’s oil tanker “Karachi” to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz after the shipment was paid for in Chinese currency.

In a post on social media platform X, the senator said the development reflected a shift in regional dynamics.

“Iran allows first oil tanker to pass through Strait of Hormuz, Pakistan’s ‘Karachi’ oil tanker, after shipment was paid in Chinese currency, Yuan! What a Change: Iran has the Initiative & is setting the regional Agenda, while US looks on helplessly!”

Meanwhile, a report by Bloomberg citing ship-tracking data said the oil tanker “Karachi,” operated by the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC), crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday.

According to the report, the Pakistan-flagged Aframax tanker was seen on Monday morning near the Omani port city of Sohar.

Ship-tracking data showed the tanker passed near Iran’s Larak Island before continuing eastward along the Iranian coast and exiting the strait later the same day.

Neither PNSC nor Pakistan’s Ministry of Petroleum immediately commented on the report.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, with nearly 20 per cent of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passing through the narrow waterway.

Shipping activity in the Strait has been affected by rising tensions following retaliatory threats from Iran after military strikes by the United States and Israel.

Iranian officials have warned they could target vessels linked to the US and its allies, but have stated that commercial ships from friendly countries would not be harmed.

The escalating tensions have raised concerns about potential disruptions to global energy supplies and wider economic impacts.