Iran has granted clearance for 20 Pakistan-flagged ships to cross the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Saturday.Under the arrangement, two Pakistani ships per day are permitted to transit the waterway, which faced disruptions due to Iran’s previous aggressive stance against commercial enemy ships.
Dar welcomed the move on X, calling it constructive and a harbinger of peace that will contribute to regional stability.At least two Pakistani vessels have already crossed the strait since the war began: the tanker Lorax (Karachi) on February 28 carrying 500,000 barrels of crude oil from UAE’s Das Island to Port Qasim, and P Aliki on March 11 transporting 600,000 barrels from Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura terminal to Pakistan.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic support and thanked Islamabad for its public expressions of solidarity during the conflict.The reopening of passage comes amid ongoing international negotiations to ensure safe navigation for global shipping companies through the strait.
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