Pakistan hosted talks with Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia on Sunday to seek an end to the Iran war. The discussions centered on reopening the Strait of Hormuz for shipping, crucial for global oil and gas supplies. Iran has stopped shipping flow through the Strait due to ongoing U. S. and Israeli airstrikes. Foreign ministers from the three countries arrived in Islamabad as oil prices surged amid the continued conflict.
Proposals were put forward to the U. S. regarding maritime traffic and reopening the Strait. These included fee structures similar to those of the Suez Canal. There were discussions about forming a consortium among Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia to manage oil flows, with an invitation for Pakistan’s participation. Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, has been in regular contact with U. S. Vice President JD Vance regarding these matters.
Turkey’s main aim is to secure a ceasefire, with safe passage for ships seen as a confidence-building measure. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held individual meetings with his Turkish and Egyptian counterparts to emphasize the importance of dialogue. Additionally, Iran agreed to allow 20 more Pakistani-flagged ships to pass through the Strait.
With information from Reuters
