Pakistani ambassador says Strait of Hormuz opening featured in Iran negotiations
During a diplomatic briefing on May 11, Pakistan's ambassador to Iran, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, indicated that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz was a central issue in current Iran‑related talks. Tirmizi clarified that the topic was not on the agenda at the start of the negotiations but was later elevated by regional stakeholders.
The strategic waterway, through which about a fifth of global oil trade passes, has been a flashpoint since Iran’s 2023 attacks on commercial vessels. International calls for reopening have intensified after a series of missile threats and sanctions that crippled Iran’s oil exports.
Tirmizi told reporters that “the issue was not on the table at the beginning, but as discussions progressed, all parties recognised the necessity of a safe passage for global energy markets.” This statement aligns with a separate report from the Iranian Foreign Ministry, which said it had offered a phased de‑escalation plan. In contrast, the Pakistani ambassador’s remarks emphasize a diplomatic pivot rather than a unilateral Iranian concession.
Energy analysts note that any agreement on the strait could relieve pressure on oil prices, which have surged past $115 per barrel. Former OPEC secretary‑general Rilwanu Lukman described the talks as “potentially the most consequential for energy security in the Middle East since the 1973 oil crisis.”
The next round of multilateral talks is scheduled for a Geneva summit in early June, where Iran, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and European representatives will convene. Observers will watch for concrete timelines on vessel inspections and the possible establishment of a joint maritime monitoring task force.