Iran Allows 20 Pakistan-Flagged Ships to Clear Strait of Hormuz

Iran has granted clearance for 20 Pakistan-flagged ships to cross the Strait of Hormuz, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Saturday.

In a statement shared on X, Dar said the arrangement permits two Pakistani ships per day to pass through the strategic waterway, which had faced severe disruptions following Iran’s aggressive stance against commercial enemy ships since the war started.

“This is a welcome and constructive gesture by Iran and deserves appreciation. It is a harbinger of peace and will help usher stability in the region,” he added.

The reopening of passage for Pakistani vessels comes as international negotiations continue on arranging safe navigation for international shipping companies through the Strait of Hormuz.

At least two Pakistani vessels have already transited the strait since the war began. The tanker Lorax (also known as Karachi) departed the UAE’s Das Island on February 28 carrying 500,000 barrels of crude oil bound for Port Qasim.

Another vessel, P Aliki, crossed the strait on March 11 carrying 600,000 barrels of crude from Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura terminal to Pakistan.

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic support and thanked Islamabad for its public expressions of solidarity with Iran during the war.

The image for this story was made with AI. Mr. Ishaq Dar didn’t actually board the ship to lead the Hormuz voyage.