In a significant development indicating a reduction in regional tensions, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar announced that Iran has consented to allow 20 more Pakistani-flagged ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Dar described this as a positive move fostering peace and stability in the area.
He shared the news on X, stating that two Pakistani vessels will transit the strait daily under this new arrangement. Dar emphasized that Tehran’s decision reflects a constructive and encouraging approach. He called the gesture a welcome sign that deserves recognition, describing it as a harbinger of peace that will contribute to regional stability.
Highlighting the broader implications, Dar noted that this development represents a meaningful step forward in collective regional peace efforts. He stressed that dialogue, diplomacy, and confidence-building measures remain essential for progress.
The Strait of Hormuz has been a flashpoint, with Iranian threats deterring many oil tankers from navigating the waterway. Nonetheless, some ships, including those flying Pakistani and Indian flags, have passed safely following Iranian assurances. Since the conflict began, nearly 16 attacks have targeted at least 17 commercial vessels, leaving around 1,900 to 2,000 ships stranded in the region.
Pakistan has played a pivotal role as a mediator between Iran and the United States amid the ongoing war, facilitating communication between the two sides. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently held a detailed phone conversation with Iran’s president, coinciding with the arrival of foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey in Islamabad for talks focused on the Middle East conflict.
The Foreign Office confirmed that these diplomats will engage in discussions over two days, addressing various issues including efforts to reduce regional tensions. Islamabad is positioning itself as a potential venue for US-Iran negotiations concerning the month-old conflict.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described the meeting’s goal as establishing a mechanism for de-escalation. He explained that the talks would assess the current state of negotiations and explore possible actions by the four countries involved.
All four nations have been actively involved in mediating between Washington and Tehran since the war, which began on February 28. They share concerns over threats to energy supplies and trade routes. Pakistan has relayed a US proposal to Iran aimed at ending the conflict and has offered to host negotiations, with Iranian officials indicating that talks could take place either in Pakistan or Turkey.
