Iran has assured safe, unhindered passage for Philippine-flagged vessels, energy shipments, and Filipino seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz amid Middle East tensions. Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro confirmed the agreement following a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on April 2. The deal is vital for the safety of Filipino seafarers and the Philippines' energy security.
Iran has pledged to allow the safe, unhindered, and expeditious passage through the Strait of Hormuz for all Philippine-flagged vessels, energy sources, and Filipino seafarers. Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro confirmed this after a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Thursday, April 2.
"Building on recent talks, we reached a positive understanding on the safety of our seafarers and the security of our energy supply. Grateful for the warm spirit of cooperation," Lazaro said in a statement. Ahead of the call, Lazaro and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin met with Iranian Ambassador to the Philippines Yousef Esmaeilzadeh on April 1 to request formal designation of the Philippines as a 'non-hostile country.'
The assurance comes amid escalating hostilities following US and Israeli attacks on Iran, with Iran controlling the strait that has been effectively blockaded since early March. The International Maritime Organization reported around 20,000 seafarers, including port workers and offshore crews, stranded on ships unable to exit the strait. The Philippines imports 98% of its crude oil from the Middle East, where about a fifth of global oil passes through the strait.
The Department of Foreign Affairs stated that these assurances will facilitate the steady delivery of critical oil and fertilizer supplies to the Philippines, bolstering the country's energy security. Iran has extended similar arrangements to China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan as of March 26.
