Iran has granted permission for six Bangladeshi‑flagged fuel‑carrying ships to transit the strategic Strait of Hormuz – one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes – amid ongoing Middle East tensions, Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi said at a press conference at the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday.
The ambassador said Iran’s National Security Council approved the vessels’ passage after Bangladesh provided detailed specifications of the six ships last week. He said there is no problem for the movement of the Bangladeshi vessels through the strait and that Tehran will provide full cooperation to ensure their safe transit.
Dhaka had requested Tehran’s assistance to help the ships cross the strait amid disruptions caused by the war in the region. The envoy also noted that Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman wrote to his Iranian counterpart expressing gratitude for support in repatriating Bangladeshis from Iran.
Jahanabadi described the relationship between Bangladesh and Iran as brotherly and said the two countries are working together to bring the vessels back safely. He also commented on regional tensions, reiterating Iran’s view of recent hostilities and expressing Tehran’s expectation of clearer positions from Dhaka on the conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz, which carries a significant portion of global oil shipments, has seen restricted traffic since the outbreak of conflict following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran at the end of February.