On Saturday, March 28, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, announced that Iran has agreed to facilitate more Pakistani ships passing through the Hormuz Strait.
This move is seen as a sign of easing tension in the Middle East region, and Dar described it as a positive step towards peace and stability.
Dar posted on the social media platform X, “I am pleased to announce some good news. The Iranian government has agreed to allow 20 ships flying the Pakistani flag to pass through the Hormuz Strait, with two ships passing through the strait every day.”
He emphasized that this is a constructive gesture from Iran. “This is a harbinger of peace that will contribute to the stability of the region,” Dar wrote.
Dar also stated that this development has broader implications for the Middle East region. “This positive statement marks an important step towards peace and will strengthen our collective efforts in this regard,” he said.
Pakistan reiterated its commitment to continued dialogue in the future. Dar wrote, “Dialogue, diplomacy, and trust-building measures are the only way forward.”
He also copied the post to US Vice President Pence, Secretary of State Pompeo, Special Envoy Witkoff, and Iranian Foreign Minister Araqchi.
Prior to this, Pakistan served as a mediator between the United States and Iran, responsible for conveying messages and facilitating reconciliation.
Witkoff confirmed on Thursday that Washington, through the intermediary Pakistan, had presented a 15-point peace ceasefire plan to Iran.
He also revealed that following President Trump’s 48-hour threat to Iran on social media last Saturday, Iran took the initiative to contact him. At that time, the president stated that unless Iran opened the Hormuz Strait within 48 hours and ensured free navigation, he would commence bombing Iran’s infrastructure, starting with the largest power plants.
Witkoff stated that the US is engaging in “multifaceted contacts” with multiple countries in the Middle East region and other parties seeking to end the war.
President Trump, speaking at the Future Investment Initiative Priority Summit held on Miami Beach on Friday, said that any agreement with Iran would require Iran to reopen the Hormuz Strait.
Trump remarked, “We are currently negotiating, and if we can reach an agreement, that would be great, but they must first open the strait.”