Bangladesh can bring tankers through Strait of Hormuz: Iran envoy

Iran has said it will allow Bangladeshi oil tankers to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz despite rising tensions in the Middle East, reports bdnews24.com.

Iran's Ambassador to Dhaka Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi made the announcement on Friday, following requests from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood.

"I have spoken with Iranian government officials and they are ready," the envoy told reporters after an event in the capital.

"If you have vessels intended to transport fuel, we will allow them to pass safely so that the people of Bangladesh do not face hardship."

The announcement comes amid a stern warning from Tehran that it may halt all vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil transit point, unless the United States ceases its attacks on Iranian territory.

Iran has further warned the international community to brace for oil prices as high as $200 per barrel, as it maintains its promise to block any tankers attempting passage through the waterway.

The threat has already sent shockwaves through global markets, with nearly 20 percent of the world's daily oil consumption typically passing through this maritime chokepoint.

The assurance of safe passage is a critical lifeline for Bangladesh, which faces a potential fuel shortage amid the conflict.