ISLAMABAD, April 12, 2026: Reports circulating in sections of regional media, and referenced by Al Jazeera, claiming that Pakistani-flagged oil tankers turned back at the Strait of Hormuz have been strongly refuted by official and shipping sources.
Iranian media reports had earlier suggested that two oil tankers reached the Strait of Hormuz and then reversed course, creating the impression that they were unable to cross the vital shipping route.
However, sources familiar with maritime tracking have rejected these claims, stating that the vessels identified as “Khairpur” and “Shalamaar” successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz and have since entered the Persian Gulf, continuing their voyage toward their destination.
According to these sources, both tankers are expected to arrive in Kuwait by tomorrow morning as scheduled.
Officials and maritime observers say the reports suggesting a turnaround are inaccurate and do not match real-time vessel tracking data, warning that such unverified narratives can create unnecessary confusion in sensitive shipping lanes.
The claims circulated in some media outlets, including references attributed to Al Jazeera, have not been independently confirmed and are being widely challenged by shipping and security monitors.
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