Iranian Oil Tankers Head Towards Pakistan as US Blockade Tightens

Two tankers carrying about 1 million barrels of Iranian crude oil have changed their destination signals to Karachi, an unusual move that may indicate they are seeking a safe location to wait after the United States reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian shipping, according to Bloomberg.

Ship tracking data reviewed by Bloomberg showed that the Rani and Amil changed their destination signals to Karachi on Tuesday after already leaving the Persian Gulf. However, analysts said it is unlikely the vessels intend to unload their cargo in Pakistan, as doing so could expose the country to US sanctions. Pakistan has not officially imported Iranian crude oil in more than a decade, according to energy intelligence firm Kpler.

Industry experts believe the tankers may instead anchor in Pakistani waters while awaiting further developments or transfer their cargo to other vessels.

Similar activity has been observed in the past, when Iran linked tankers waited off Karachi during previous periods of US sanctions before returning to the Persian Gulf.

Charlie Brown, an adviser to the nonprofit organization United Against Nuclear Iran, said remaining near Pakistan could provide operators with a relatively secure location while monitoring developments, rather than indicating any intention to deliver Iranian oil to Pakistan. Xavier Tang, a senior market analyst at Vortexa, also suggested the vessels could be sailing closer to Pakistan to avoid US naval patrols and use Karachi as a waypoint.

Both vessels are sanctioned by the United States and are part of the so called “dark fleet” used by Iran to transport crude oil. The development comes as Washington tightens enforcement of sanctions on Iranian oil exports amid renewed regional tensions.