The Philippines has asked Iran to regard it as a non-hostile country to ensure safe passage of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin met Iranian Ambassador Yousef Esmaeilzadeh on April 1, 2026. Iran responded positively, officials said.
On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Manila, Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin met with Iranian Ambassador to the Philippines Yousef Esmaeilzadeh. This marked the first formal meeting since the United States and Israel launched war on Iran in late February 2026. The Philippines requested designation as a non-hostile country and safe passage for Philippine-flagged vessels and oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for 20% of global oil headed to Asia.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro described the meeting as ‘exceptionally warm and open.’ ‘Given their stated readiness to cooperate, we are highly optimistic about a favorable outcome,’ she said. Castro quoted the ambassador as saying Iran had been awaiting the Philippines' outreach and reaffirmed its ‘strong willingness’ to assist with the requests.
The move is crucial for protecting Filipino seafarers and the country's energy supply, as most Philippine oil comes from the Middle East. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a yearlong state of national energy emergency. Lazaro is scheduled to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday, April 2, to secure these commitments at the highest level.
The Philippines has called for a cessation of hostilities and civilian protection, maintaining neutrality despite its treaty alliance with the US.
