Iran Allows Philippine-Flagged Vessels, Energy Sources Through Strait Of Hormuz

Iran has assured the Philippines that it will allow Philippine-flagged vessels, energy sources and all Filipino seafarers safe and unhindered passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway that serves as a vital shipping chokepoint for oil from the Middle East. 

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi made the assurance during a phone call with Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro on Thursday, April 2, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced.

“During the call, the Iranian Foreign Minister assured the Secretary that Iran will allow the safe, unhindered and expeditious passage through the Strait of Hormuz of Philippine-flagged vessels, energy sources and all Filipino seafarers,” the DFA said in its statement.

“Secretary Lazaro noted that this positive development is vital for the Philippines, as it will not only ensure the safety of Filipino seafarers operating in the area but will also help ensure energy security for the country,” it added.

On X, Lazaro described the call as “productive” as they “reached a positive understanding on the safety of our seafarers and the security of our energy supply.”

According to the DFA, Iran’s assurances “will greatly facilitate the steady delivery of critical oil and fertilizer supplies to the Philippines,” noting that Philippines imports the majority of its energy requirements from the Middle East.

“The call concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to maintaining excellent relations and achieving lasting peace through continued dialogue and diplomacy,” the agency added.

The phone called between the two ministers happened a day after Lazaro met with Iranian Ambassador to Philippines Yousef Esmaeilzadeh.

During her meeting with the ambassador, Lazaro relayed a formal request to the government of Iran to designate the Philippines as a “non-hostile” country to ensure safe passage of Philippine-flagged vessels and oil shipments.

“This is vital for the protection of our seafarers and our energy supply. DOE is finalizing the necessary details for immediate transmission,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on Wednesday, April 1.

Tehran has tightened control over ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz in response to the joint strikes initiated by the United States and Israel against Iran on Feb. 28.

This led to a global crisis that pushed oil prices higher, including in the Philippines, amid fears of supply disruptions.