Islamabad: Iran has agreed to allow 20 additional ships under the Pakistani flag to transit the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route that has been effectively closed for weeks due to ongoing regional conflicts. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, confirmed this development through a post on the US social media platform X, describing the decision as a constructive gesture that deserves appreciation.

According to Anadolu Agency, the move by Iran is being seen as a harbinger of peace that may contribute to stability in the region. Foreign Minister Dar emphasized the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, and confidence-building measures as essential paths forward. He further highlighted that Pakistan is set to host a quadrilateral meeting on the Middle East conflict on Sunday. This meeting will bring together top diplomats from Trkiye, Pakistan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia in Islamabad to discuss ongoing efforts to de-escalate the heightened tensions in the Middle East, as the US-Israeli war with Iran continues into its second month.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been in effect since early March following the escalation of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran on February 28, has significantly impacted maritime traffic. Prior to the conflict, the strait saw an average of 138 ships transiting daily, underscoring its importance as a vital international shipping lane.