Tehran: Iran has permitted two Pakistani cargo ships to transit through the Strait of Hormuz, sources in Pakistan’s Ports and Shipping Ministry confirmed to Anadolu on Saturday. The vessels, Multan and P-Aliki, which were stuck after Iranian forces took control of the strait earlier this month, have successfully crossed the strait and are on their way to Pakistan.

According to Anadolu Agency, the ships are expected to dock at the Karachi port on March 31. Multan is a cargo ship, while P-Aliki is carrying over 80 million liters of crude oil. Sources mentioned that the Iranian government not only allowed the two ships to cross but also provided an escort until the vessels crossed the flashpoint line.

This development occurs amid ongoing mediatory efforts by Islamabad, alongside Turkiye and Egypt, to resolve the escalating conflict in the Middle East. This marks the second instance of Tehran permitting a Pakistani ship to pass through the strait since the conflict began on February 28, with a Pakistani oil tanker previously transiting on March 16.

The region has been on high alert since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on February 28, which has resulted in over 1,340 fatalities, including the death of then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Tehran has conducted drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and other countries in the region, leading to casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions in global markets and aviation.