Pakistan secures Iran deal, 20 ships to pass Strait of Hormuz

Pakistan has reached an agreement with Iran to allow 20 Pakistani-flagged ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, offering some relief amid a deepening global energy and shipping crisis. Ishaq Dar said two vessels would be allowed to transit daily, calling the move a positive step toward regional stability.

The announcement comes as the strategic waterway remains largely disrupted following joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, which escalated into a wider conflict. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global trade route, has seen traffic drop sharply, with only a fraction of normal shipping activity continuing and thousands of vessels stranded on both sides.

Iran has imposed strict controls over passage through the strait, requiring ships to submit detailed information and obtain clearance from authorities linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Some vessels have reportedly paid significant fees for safe passage, as Tehran considers formalizing the system as a revenue source.

Pakistan’s move is seen as part of broader diplomatic efforts to ease tensions, with officials engaging multiple global leaders including Donald Trump and Marco Rubio. Islamabad has also expressed willingness to host peace talks as the crisis continues to impact global markets and energy prices.

The disruption has pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel and triggered what World Trade Organization chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala described as the worst global trade disruption in decades. While some countries like Malaysia have also secured limited access, uncertainty remains high as Iran demands international recognition of its authority over the strait and ongoing military tensions continue.