Islamabad, March 29 (QNA) – The Iranian side has agreed to allow the passage of twenty additional Pakistan-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz, with two ships crossing daily, said Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Saturday.

In a post on his official X account, he said: “This positive announcement marks a meaningful step toward peace and will strengthen our collective efforts in that direction. Dialogue, diplomacy, and such confidence-building measures are the only way forward”.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategic maritime passages in the world, as it forms the main artery for almost one-fifth of global oil production and roughly a quarter of global liquefied natural gas trade from Gulf states to world markets, including Pakistan, which heavily relies on these supplies to meet its energy needs from regional countries.

Since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran on February 28, and Iran’s response with missile and drone attacks on Israel and several regional countries, tensions between the sides have festered, causing major disruptions in shipping through the Strait, as most tankers have temporarily halted transit.

These developments have contributed to rising oil prices and raised international concerns about global energy security. (QNA)