Ships from Pakistan, China and India cross Strait of Hormuz

Shipping data shows that more vessels are navigating the Strait of Hormuz, though the numbers remain significantly lower than before the conflict in the Middle East, according to global energy experts. Last weekend, Pakistan revealed that Iran would permit 20 of its flagged ships to traverse this crucial shipping channel. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar mentioned on X that two ships will make the journey each day, stating, “This is a welcome and constructive gesture by Iran and deserves appreciation.” Pakistan is trying to mediate between the United States and Iran to help resolve the ongoing conflict. US President Donald Trump told the Financial Times that Mohammad Ghalibaf, the speaker of the Iranian parliament, had “authorized the (Pakistani) ships to me.” However, Iran has not confirmed this statement. In a separate development, two large container ships from China successfully crossed the Strait on Monday and are now headed to Port Klang in Malaysia. According to Marine Traffic, several vessels managed to enter the Indian Ocean after sailing near the Iranian coastline last week. Marine Traffic noted, “Iran appears to be pursuing a calibrated strategy in the Strait of Hormuz, using selective vessel passage as strategic signaling rather than imposing full disruption.” Among the ships that passed through the Strait over the weekend were two large Indian vessels transporting liquid petroleum gas, which is currently in short supply in India.