Islamabad, March 1 -- Three vessels operated by the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) were stopped on Sunday by Iran from proceeding towards the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the ARY News reported.

According to ARY News, orders were issued regarding the ships Karachi, Lahore and Khairpur, which had set sail to transport oil. Sources told the broadcaster that the vessels Lahore and Khairpur have been instructed to remain at Fujairah port in the United Arab Emirates, while the vessel Karachi has been directed to anchor at Gwadar port in Pakistan.

All three ships were carrying Pakistani crew members at the time, the report said.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued warnings that ...