Dhaka, April 18 -- The Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) vessel MV Banglar Joyjatra has failed to cross the Strait of Hormuz and has turned back towards its previous position near the UAE coast.

Late Friday, the bulk carrier approached the strategic waterway but was unable to proceed after being "denied permission" by Iranian naval authorities, forcing it to reverse course towards waters off Port of Mina Saqr.

Captain Shafiqul Islam said the vessel changed direction around 1:30am Bangladesh time without crossing the strait and began its return journey.

BSC Managing Director Commodore Mahmudul Malek confirmed that the ship could not pass Hormuz and was heading back.

Earlier, after Iran announced the strait would remain open for com...