Islamabad: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday announced that Iran has agreed to permit 20 additional Pakistani-flagged vessels to transit through the Strait of Hormuz, with two ships allowed to cross daily under a coordinated schedule.
Describing the move as a “welcome and constructive gesture,” Dar said the decision signals a calibrated easing of maritime restrictions at a time of heightened regional tensions. He added that the development could contribute to stability and reflects the growing role of dialogue and diplomacy in managing the crisis.
The announcement comes shortly after Iran denied passage to a Karachi-bound container vessel, SELEN, highlighting stricter enforcement of transit protocols in the region. The ship, sailing under the flag of St Kitts & Nevis and carrying food supplies for Pakistan, was turned back by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy for failing to secure mandatory clearance.
IRGC Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri had stated that the vessel did not comply with required legal procedures, reiterating that all ships must coordinate with Iranian maritime authorities before transiting the strait.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical trade and energy routes, through which a significant portion of global oil supplies passes. Any restrictions in the waterway are closely watched due to their potential impact on global markets and regional security.
The latest development also aligns with Pakistan’s broader diplomatic efforts. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has recently offered to facilitate talks between Iran and the United States, a proposal that has received acknowledgment from U.S. President Donald Trump.
