Iran Permits Pakistani Ships Through Strait of Hormuz in Confidence-Building Move
Iran has agreed to allow 20 additional ships flying the flag of Pakistan to transit through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, in what officials describe as a significant confidence-building measure amid ongoing regional tensions.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the development, stating that two ships would be permitted to cross the Strait daily. He termed the move a “constructive gesture” and a “harbinger of peace,” emphasizing its potential to promote regional stability.
Dar highlighted that such steps reinforce the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, noting that confidence-building measures remain essential for easing tensions and advancing peace efforts. In his statement, he also engaged key international figures, including JD Vance, Marco Rubio, Abbas Araghchi, and Steve Witkoff.
Global Energy Impact
The development comes at a time when global energy markets are under pressure due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor responsible for transporting nearly 20% of the world’s liquefied natural gas and about a quarter of seaborne oil.
The ongoing conflict involving United States and Israel against Iran has significantly impacted shipping traffic, contributing to a global fuel crunch.
Earlier reports indicated that Iran had already permitted limited Pakistani shipping activity through the Strait, including the passage of a Pakistani oil tanker on March 16—the first such transit by a non-Iranian vessel since the escalation of hostilities.
Pakistan’s Expanding Diplomatic Role
The announcement follows a high-level phone conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran were discussed.
Pakistan has increasingly positioned itself as a key mediator in the crisis, working alongside regional partners including Turkiye and Egypt.
In line with these efforts, Islamabad is hosting a high-level meeting of foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt to discuss de-escalation strategies and broader regional stability.
Officials say the latest maritime concession by Iran could serve as a crucial step toward restoring confidence and paving the way for broader diplomatic breakthroughs in the coming days.
