Islamabad/New York, April 19, 2026 - A Pakistan-flagged crude oil tanker, identified as the Shalamar, successfully navigated and exited the Strait of Hormuz on or around April 17, 2026, becoming the first vessel to do so since the imposition of a reported U.S. blockade amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States.
This development contradicts claims of a complete halt in shipping through the strategic waterway and comes against the backdrop of a high-profile statement by Israel's envoy to the United Nations.
In a widely circulated video from the United Nations, Israel's envoy alleged that Pakistan, China, and France have entered into a "Secret Hormuz Deal" with Iran, allowing their vessels to pass through the strait despite the blockade. The statement, delivered on April 19, has drawn immediate attention and criticism for lacking publicly available evidence.
Breaking: Israel's envoy to UN says Pakistan, China and France have done a "Secret Hormuz Deal" with Iran and their ships are passing from Hormuz. pic.twitter.com/uWtqCQ7HP6
- South Asia Index (@SouthAsiaIndex) April 19, 2026
The envoy's remarks have been described by regional observers as part of a coordinated propaganda effort, particularly following recent incidents involving commercial shipping in the area.
Independent maritime tracking and local reports from April 17-18 indicated no general stoppage of all shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. While tensions remain elevated due to Iran-U.S. standoffs, selective passage of vessels continued:
Regional analysts note that the timing of the Israeli statement and amplified social media claims appears linked to an earlier incident in which an Indian vessel was reportedly hit. Following that event, coordinated efforts to target Pakistan's maritime reputation gained momentum, with attempts to portray Pakistani vessels as operating under special illicit arrangements with Iran.
Pakistani officials and maritime experts have dismissed the "Secret Hormuz Deal" narrative as baseless propaganda.
"After the Indian vessel incident, certain parties immediately pivoted to smear Pakistan's legitimate commercial shipping activities," said a senior official familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity. "This is a clear attempt to create diplomatic pressure and obscure the facts on the ground."
Israel's intervention at the UN has been viewed by South Asian diplomatic circles as an extension of this propaganda campaign, aimed at isolating Iran's trading partners and justifying broader military or economic measures in the Gulf region.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical chokepoints, responsible for roughly 20% of global oil trade. Heightened U.S.-Iran tensions, including reported naval blockades and retaliatory threats, have created uncertainty for international shipping. However, confirmed passages by vessels from Pakistan, China, and other nations indicate that commercial traffic has not been entirely suspended.
No official confirmation or denial has yet emerged from Pakistani or Chinese authorities regarding any formal "deal," and maritime sources describe the transits as routine commercial operations under international norms.
Pakistan's Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation have been monitoring the situation closely to ensure the safety of Pakistani-flagged vessels and crew.
This story is developing. Further updates are expected as diplomatic reactions from the UN, Pakistan, China, and Iran emerge in response to the Israeli envoy's remarks.
