Iran has approved the passage of 20 Pakistan-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Saturday, signalling a limited easing of maritime restrictions imposed amid ongoing regional conflict.

In a statement posted on X, Dar said the arrangement allows two Pakistani vessels per day to cross the strategic waterway, where commercial navigation has faced disruptions since the start of hostilities and heightened Iranian warnings targeting vessels linked to adversaries.

He described the move as a positive diplomatic gesture that could help reduce tensions and contribute to regional stability.

The decision comes as international discussions continue over securing safe transit for global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for energy supplies and international trade.

Shipping records indicate that at least two Pakistan-bound tankers have already crossed the strait since the conflict began. The tanker Lorax, also known as Karachi, departed Das Island in the United Arab Emirates on February 28 carrying approximately 500,000 barrels of crude oil destined for Port Qasim. Another tanker, P Aliki, transited the strait on March 11 with nearly 600,000 barrels of crude loaded at Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura terminal.

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic support during the conflict and thanked Islamabad for its public expressions of solidarity with Iran.