Iran cleared Strait of Hormuz transit for 20 Pakistani vessels
Two ships will pass through the strait each day (photo: Getty Images)
Iran has agreed to allow 20 Pakistan-flagged vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, cited by CNN.
Under the agreement, two ships will transit the strait at a time, the minister said.
"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," Minister Dar noted.
CNN noted that earlier, on March 26, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that Pakistan acts as a mediator in talks between the United States and Iran.
Strait of Hormuz blockade
Following the start of US-Israeli operations against Iran, Tehran effectively blocked passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway that handles about 20% of global oil shipments.
At the same time, negotiations on safe passage for vessels are still moving forward. On March 28, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thailand had reached an agreement with Iran that would allow Thai oil tankers to safely transit the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported earlier that two large container ships were forced to turn back while attempting to pass through the strait.
In addition, Iran's parliament is reportedly working on a bill to allow the government to charge fees for guaranteeing the safety of vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
