Ahead of the meeting of the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia in Islamabad on March 29, several of these countries presented a series of proposals to the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported.
A Pakistani source told Reuters that these proposals, including those presented by Egypt, include a toll system similar to the Suez Canal. Two other Pakistani sources said Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia could form a consortium to manage oil supplies through the strait and invited Pakistan to participate.
The first Pakistani source said Islamabad had not been formally invited to join the consortium and stressed that it would not do so.
According to Reuters sources, the proposal to set up a management consortium had been discussed with the United States and Iran. Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir was in regular contact with US Vice President J.D. Vance.
A Turkish diplomatic source told Reuters that Ankara's priority was securing a ceasefire. "Ensuring safe passage for ships can be an important confidence-building measure in this regard," he said.
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told Halk that in a meeting with his counterparts from Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, discussions focused on "the development of the situation in the region, strengthening peace and stability, as well as developing our partnership and deepening cooperation in various fields." He announced that Pakistan may host talks between the United States and Iran in the near future.
Since the start of the US-Israeli military operation, Tehran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz. This has led to a significant increase in energy prices and several countries are at risk of fuel shortages.
On March 25, the Financial Times reported that Tehran had allowed "non-hostile ships" to pass through the strait. The newspaper also wrote that the UAE is advocating the formation of a coalition to ensure the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, and is ready to send its fleet.