Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman met Saeed Khatibzadeh, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey.

The two sides exchanged views on the evolving situation in the Gulf region and other issues of mutual interest, according to a press release issued on Monday (20 April).

During the meeting, the Foreign Minister reiterated Bangladesh’s consistent and balanced position on the ongoing developments, underscoring the importance of restraint by all parties and the resolution of differences through dialogue and diplomacy.

The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister appreciated Bangladesh’s constructive stance and expressed the hope that the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh would visit Tehran at a mutually convenient time.

The Bangladesh Foreign Minister also requested the Iranian DFM to use his good offices to facilitate the safe passage of the Bangladesh-flagged vessel Banglar Joyjatra through the Strait of Hormuz.

"We were very thankful when Iran included Bangladesh among the six countries whose vessels would be permitted to cross Hormuz", noted Dr Rahman.

Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran followed up on the matter immediately and informed Bangladesh FM last night that while the situation continues to remain tense, necessary directives have been given to concerned authorities in Iran. The two leaders continue to maintain communication on the matter.

Earlier, on 5 April 2026 in Dhaka, Foreign Minister Rahman held a meeting with Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Bangladesh, and requested facilitation of safe passage for Banglar Joyjatra as well as another Bangladesh-bound vessel carrying crude oil.

The Ambassador conveyed that the Iranian authorities were being approached at appropriate levels in this regard.

He also appreciated Bangladesh’s balanced stance on the current crisis and expressed gratitude to the Government of Bangladesh for adopting a condolence motion on the opening day of the 13th Parliament session following the targeted assassination of the late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khameini.

He further thanked the Government for deputing Secretary (Bilateral) of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Md Nazrul Islam, to sign the condolence book at the Embassy of Iran on its behalf.

The Iranian Ambassador also conveyed appreciation for the Bangladesh Government’s actions to facilitate dispatch of emergency medical supplies to Iran by the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister noted at that meeting that he had addressed an official letter to Iranian Foreign Minister thanking him for the support extended by the Government of Iran to safe passage of 186 Bangladeshis from Iran to Azerbaijan.