Dhaka – Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) has approved the passage of six Bangladeshi fuel ships through the Strait of Hormuz, offering relief to Bangladesh amid a severe fuel crisis worsened by regional tensions during the US–Israel war against Iran, Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi said on Wednesday.
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At a press conference in Dhaka, the envoy confirmed that there are no obstacles to Bangladeshi vessels transiting the strategic waterway. The decision follows a formal request from Bangladesh, and Iranian authorities have requested advance details of the ships to ensure smooth coordination.
“Work is underway, and there is no problem with Bangladeshi shipping. We will provide full cooperation in this regard,” Jahanabadi stated. He added that detailed ship specifications were received last week, allowing Iran to approve the passage.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had previously noted that vessels from China, Russia, Pakistan, Iraq, and India had recently transited the Strait of Hormuz. However, Tehran had not been able to identify these ships due to a lack of prior information.
The fuel crisis in Bangladesh has intensified as a result of the conflict in the Middle East, with long queues forming at petrol stations in Dhaka and other cities. Iran has stepped in to ensure that Bangladesh does not face further energy shortages, the envoy said.
“As a brotherly country, Iran is keeping an eye on Bangladesh. We will continue to allow Bangladeshi ships to sail through the Strait of Hormuz,” he affirmed. Bangladesh currently imports around 63% of its energy supplies from Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Iraq.
In addition, 180 stranded Bangladeshi nationals have returned home from Iran, with further assistance available for those wishing to travel. However, the ambassador expressed disappointment with the tone of comments from some Bangladeshi officials regarding the ongoing US–Israel–Iran conflict.
