Sri Lanka, March 30 -- More ships are passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to shipping data, but still far fewer than before the Middle East conflict erupted, global energy analysts say.

Pakistan announced last weekend that Iran would allow 20 of its flagged ships to pass through the key shipping route.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on X that two ships would transit a day, adding: "This is a welcome and constructive gesture by Iran and deserves appreciation."

Pakistan has sought to mediate between the US and Iran in an effort to end the conflict.

US President Donald Trump told the Financial Times that the speaker of the Iranian parliament, Mohammad Ghalibaf had "authorised the (Pakistani) ships to me."

Iran has not respo...