ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Sunday announced that Iran has agreed to facilitate additional Pakistani vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, describing the move as a positive step toward regional peace and stability.
In a post on X, Dar said Tehran had agreed to allow 20 more ships under the Pakistani flag to pass through the strait, with two vessels crossing daily. He termed the decision a “welcome and constructive gesture” that would strengthen collective efforts for peace and stability in the region.
He emphasised that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path forward and described the development as a meaningful confidence-building measure.
Iranian threats in recent weeks had discouraged most oil tankers from using the waterway, though a few vessels — including ships under Pakistani and Indian flags — managed safe passage following assurances from Tehran. According to Reuters, nearly 16 attacks have damaged at least 17 commercial ships since the conflict began, while around 1,900–2,000 vessels remain stranded in the region.
Pakistan to host regional talks
Pakistan has emerged as a key facilitator between United States and Iran during the ongoing conflict. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he held a detailed telephone conversation with Iran’s president as foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey arrived in Islamabad for talks on the Middle East situation.
The two-day meeting aims to explore ways to de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the participants would discuss the direction of negotiations and possible mechanisms to reduce hostilities.
The four countries have been engaged in mediation efforts since the conflict involving the United States and Israel began on February 28, amid growing concerns over threats to energy supplies and global trade routes.
Pakistan has conveyed a US proposal for ending the conflict to Tehran and has offered to host talks, with Iranian officials indicating that negotiations could take place either in Pakistan or Turkey.