March 29, LNW (Colombo): Pakistan has reached an agreement with Iran to allow 20 Pakistani-flagged vessels to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, in a move aimed at easing a severe energy crisis.
Ishaq Dar announced the development on X, stating that two ships will transit daily under the arrangement. He described Iran’s decision as a positive step toward regional stability, calling it “a harbinger of peace” and a constructive gesture during a period of heightened tensions.
In a notable diplomatic signal, Dar addressed his announcement to key international figures, including JD Vance, Marco Rubio, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. This move underscores Islamabad’s broader efforts to support diplomatic solutions amid ongoing regional conflict.
The agreement comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions following coordinated military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, which reportedly resulted in the death of Ali Khamenei and triggered a wider conflict. The unrest has led to significant casualties and disrupted global markets, with the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes—largely inaccessible until now.
Observers say the new shipping arrangement could help stabilize energy supplies and reduce pressure on international trade, while also opening a potential pathway for further diplomatic engagement in the region.