Iran allows safe passage for PH ships through Strait of Hormuz

CEBU, Philippines – Iran will allow the “safe, unhindered, and expeditious passage” of all Philippine vessels, energy sources, and Filipino seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Maria Therese 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 on the same day.

Prior to their phone conversation, Lazaro and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin met with Iranian Ambassador to the Philippines Yousef Esmaeilzadeh on Wednesday, April 1, to ask Iran to formally designate the Philippines as a “non-hostile country.”

Since the US and Israel’s attacks on Iran, hostilities have continued to escalate, with the Strait of Hormuz becoming a major flashpoint. Iran controls passage through the strait.

About a fifth of the world’s total oil consumption passes through the strait. The Philippines, like most of Asia, sources much of its oil from the Middle East. 

On Thursday, April 2, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced that around 20,000 seafarers, including port workers and offshore crews, are stranded on ships unable to exit through the Strait of Hormuz.

“While the disruption to global trade is significant, IMO’s primary concern remains the humanitarian and safety implications for seafarers on board ships operating in the area,” their statement read.

According to Lazaro, both Iran and the Philippines reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining bilateral relations and peace through continued dialogue and diplomacy.

Lazaro said the development is vital for the Philippines as it would not only ensure the safety of Filipino seafarers in the strait but also help secure the country’s energy needs.

“Given that the Philippines imports the majority of its energy requirements from the Middle East, these assurances from Iran will greatly facilitate the steady delivery of critical oil and fertilizer supplies to the Philippines,” DFA said. – Rappler.com