Dhaka, March 13 -- Iran has said it will allow Bangladeshi oil tankers to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz despite rising tensions in the Middle East.

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 ...