Bangladesh (Commonwealth Union)_ Iran has cleared the passage of six Bangladeshi fuel-carrying tankers across the critical Strait of Hormuz, announced Iranian Ambassador to Dhaka Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi. The envoy also emphasized that Bangladesh should have no difficulty transferring gasoline through this channel, which is a good guarantee given the country’s mounting energy challenges. Bangladesh, which is highly reliant on gasoline imports, has been under pressure owing to declining supplies. At present, several cargoes are sitting in limbo at various ports, awaiting passage through the Hormuz Strait. Five of these shipments consist of liquefied natural gas (LNG) originating from Qatar, while one is a shipment of crude oil from Saudi Arabia. Overall, these shipments will contain approximately 500,000 tons of LNG and 79,000 tons of crude oil. Both products are essential to maintain continuity of their energy supply.
Also read: Analyzing the World Happiness Report 2026: The big question: How happy are Commonwealth nations?
In a press briefing held this Wednesday at the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka, the ambassador made comments about the current state of tension in the Middle East and its wider implications for the future. The ambassador stated that the Bangladeshi government has requested Iran’s cooperation for the purpose of transporting its fuel ships across the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran could not initially provide any assistance to Bangladesh regarding its ships, as it did not have enough information to do so. However, after receiving detailed specifications last week, including ship identification numbers, fuel types, and the ship route, the process moved forward. “Iran’s National Security Council has approved cooperation for these vessels,” the ambassador said, adding that there are now no obstacles to their movement. He emphasized that Iran is committed to ensuring smooth passage and full support for Bangladesh’s fuel transportation needs.
Also read: Fuel arrives—Sri Lanka breathes: India rushes emergency fuel to Sri Lanka!
Addressing Bangladesh’s current energy situation, Jahanabadi noted that Iran is closely monitoring developments. He described Bangladesh as a friendly nation and stressed that Tehran does not want the country to experience fuel shortages or economic hardship. “We will continue to extend all necessary assistance so that Bangladesh can transport fuel without disruption,” he said. The envoy also highlighted humanitarian cooperation, mentioning that around 180 Bangladeshi nationals who were previously stranded in Iran have already returned home. He assured that those still in Iran would receive full support if they chose to return.
Also read: Lakhs of Indians return home amid worsening Middle East crisis!
Since earlier attacks on the shipping lanes in the Persian Gulf from both Israel and the US, the Iranian government has further enforced its authority over shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which is one of the busiest marine commerce lanes in the world, with approximately 20% of the total marine oil supply shipped through the strait. However, now, all fuel ships from any country seeking to travel through the strait must obtain permission from the Iranian government in advance due to ongoing military hostilities and tensions increasing in the region. Iranian leaders have stated that, despite the ongoing sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States, Iran is willing to cooperate with some of its neighboring states, such as Bangladesh. The diplomat expressed hope that while there may be some interruptions in shipping lanes due to current conditions, Iran will continue to make every effort to lessen the suffering of its neighbors, especially its fellow Muslim countries.
Regarding the ongoing war, Jahanabadi stated that the US is now attempting to find a way to escape the war. Furthermore, he stated that the US and Israel are worsening the situation because they created this whole conflict to begin with. Furthermore, he stated that America’s changing comments signal uncertainty from Washington. He also pointed out that diplomatic discussions had been underway in Oman before the situation deteriorated. Iran, he said, is acting in self-defense and remains open to peaceful solutions, even as tensions continue to shape the region’s geopolitical and economic landscape.
