ISLAMABAD — The Iranian government has officially cleared 20 more ships flying the Pakistani flag to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a corridor that has been effectively closed to most international traffic since the conflict began on February 28. According to the agreement shared by FM Ishaq Dar, two ships will cross the Strait daily, providing a much-needed lifeline for Pakistan’s energy and trade sectors.
A Diplomatic “Harbinger of Peace”
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Ishaq Dar characterized the decision as a constructive step toward regional stability.
“I am pleased to share a great news that the Government of Iran has agreed to allow 20 more ships under the Pakistani flag to pass through the Strait of Hormuz… This is a welcome and constructive gesture by Iran and deserves appreciation. It is a harbinger of peace.”
Dar notably tagged high-ranking U.S. and Iranian officials in his announcement, including VP JD Vance, Secretary Marco Rubio, and Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi, signaling that the move is part of a coordinated push for broader negotiations.
The Trump Response: “A Present”
The announcement gained further international traction when U.S. President Donald Trump reposted Dar’s statement on his Truth Social platform early Sunday.
- The Negotiating Context: Trump had previously hinted at such gestures during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, describing Iran’s decision to let specific tankers through as a “present” and a sign that his “maximum pressure” is forcing Tehran to the table.
- Delayed Strikes: Following Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach, Trump has reportedly delayed planned military strikes on Iranian power plants to allow time for the “Islamabad Track” of negotiations to yield results.
Impact on the Ground in Pakistan
The reopening of the transit route for Pakistani vessels is expected to immediately ease the domestic fuel crisis.
- First Arrivals: Two cargo ships, the Multan and P-Akili, which were previously held in the Gulf, have already cleared the Strait and are expected to dock at Karachi Port by March 31.
- Previous Transits: This agreement builds on the successful passage of the oil tanker MT Karachi (formerly Lorax) on March 16, which was the first non-Iranian tanker to cross since the start of the war.
Pakistan’s Role as “The Bridge”
The timing of the announcement is significant, as it precedes a high-stakes quadrilateral meeting in Islamabad involving the foreign ministers of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Pakistan has emerged as the primary intermediary for messages between the White House and the Iranian Presidency, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reportedly maintaining hour-long phone consultations with President Masoud Pezeshkian.
| Shipping Agreement Details | Status |
| Total Vessels Cleared | 20 (Additional to previous permits) |
| Daily Transit Rate | 2 ships per day |
| Target Port | Port Qasim / Karachi Port |
| Strategic Category | “Friendly Nation” status granted by Tehran |
