By Uzma Ehtasham
KARACHI: Iranian Consul General Akbar Eissa Zadeh has clarified that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for Pakistani vessels, providing assurance to shipping and trade circles amid heightened regional tensions. Talking with media, the senior Iranian diplomat outlined the conditions under which Pakistani ships can navigate the strategically crucial waterway.
“Ships bringing crude oil or gas can transit through the Strait of Hormuz after contacting the government of Iran,” Eissa Zadeh stated, offering a clear channel for Pakistani energy imports to continue uninterrupted. He confirmed that vessels from Pakistan and several other countries have been granted permission to use the strait, which has become increasingly volatile due to ongoing military exchanges in the region.
The Consul General emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is only closed for the United States, Israel, and their allies. “Apart from countries involved in aggression, the Strait of Hormuz remains open for international trade,” he asserted, distinguishing between nations participating in hostilities and those maintaining neutral commercial relations.
The diplomatic clarification follows recent successful transit of Pakistani oil carrier ‘Karachi’ through the strait with special Iranian permission, signaling that bilateral trade mechanisms remain functional despite the wider conflict. Iran’s messaging appears calibrated to reassure regional partners while maintaining pressure on adversaries, as the Islamic Republic continues to assert control over the vital shipping lane through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil passes daily.
