Philippines seeks Iran talks for safe passage of vessels through Hormuz amid energy crisis

Oil tankers and ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates, on March 11.

Photo: AP Manila is following its Southeast Asian neighbours’ lead by seeking talks with Iran to secure safe passage for Philippine-bound tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a move observers have called “a matter of survival”.

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro posted on social media that she and energy secretary Sharon Garin had met Iran’s envoy Yousef Esmaeilzadeh on Wednesday to discuss energy cooperation and the advancement of bilateral ties. “Pleased to meet Iranian Ambassador to PH, H.E.

Yousef Esmaeilzadeh today to further our bilateral agenda.

Joined by Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, we discussed key avenues for cooperation.

Building on the momentum of our Political Consultations last November 2025, we are committed to deepening our cooperation across all fronts, particularly energy cooperation,” she wrote.

The meeting comes a day after President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr directed Lazaro to discuss negotiations with the ambassador to ensure safe passage for tankers bound for the Philippines amid Iran’s blockade of the key waterway, where 20 per cent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas pass through, mostly headed for markets in Asia.

Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Thereza Lazaro (left) and energy chief Sharon Garin with Iranian envoy Yousef Esmaeilzadeh (centre) during a bilateral meeting in Manila on Wednesday.

Photo: Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs / AFP According to the International Maritime Organization, some 2,000 remain stranded as Iran continues to seal the strait, only allowing passage of a few vessels from “friendly” countries.

Earlier this week, Iranian media reported that a parliamentary commission approved a proposal to collect tolls for ships transiting the strait.

In Southeast Asia, Thailand and Malaysia have secured safe passage through the waterway after discussions with Iranian officials.

Iran’s ambassador to Malaysia, Valiollah Mohammadi Nasrabadi, confirmed with the New Straits Times that Malaysian ships would be allowed to transit the strait toll-free.

Economists say the Philippines’ diplomatic talks with Iran are an important move, given that the country has been battling fuel shortages since the attacks on Tehran began on February 28.

More than 95 per cent of the Philippines’ oil is imported, leaving it vulnerable to price shocks from global markets during geop

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