Kuala lumpur: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that Malaysian oil tankers have been granted permission to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Anwar expressed gratitude to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for facilitating this approval during a live broadcast on local television.

According to Anadolu Agency, Anwar stated, "Now we are in the process of releasing the Malaysian oil tankers and the workers involved so that they can continue their journey home." He highlighted the complexities involved, noting Iran's skepticism due to past deceptions and its demand for binding agreements and security guarantees.

The prime minister also mentioned the broader regional impact, with repercussions felt in Lebanon where over a million people have lost their homes and property. He emphasized the unresolved situation in Palestine and Gaza, which has exacerbated suffering in the region.

Anwar reiterated Kuala Lumpur's commitment to regional peace efforts and its firm stance against actions by Israel and the United States. He acknowledged the complexity of the situation, as Iran's responses affect not just Israel but also Gulf nations.

The Malaysian leader disclosed that he had discussions with Iranian President Pezeshkian and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi regarding regional tensions. Additionally, he spoke with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss Islamabad's peace-seeking initiatives.

The Strait of Hormuz has faced disruption since early March, affecting the passage of approximately 20 million barrels of oil daily. This disruption has led to increased shipping costs and higher global oil prices.

Tensions have escalated since a joint US-Israel offensive on Iran on February 28, which resulted in significant casualties and the death of then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has since launched retaliatory attacks against targets in Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations hosting US military assets, impacting global markets and aviation.