The Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced today that Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro held a "very productive phone call" with her Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, to discuss enhanced bilateral cooperation across all sectors.

"The Iranian foreign minister assured Foreign Secretary Lazaro that Iran would permit Philippine-flagged vessels, energy sources, and all Filipino seafarers to traverse the Strait of Hormuz safely, unimpeded, and swiftly," the statement read.

Fuel prices at a gas station in the Philippines on 19/3. Photo: AFP

Fuel prices at a gas station in the Philippines on 19/3. Photo: AFP

The Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the nation's reliance on the Middle East for a significant portion of its energy needs. Iran's commitment is expected to help ensure a "stable supply of essential oil and fertilizers" for the Southeast Asian country.

In a message posted on social media platform X regarding the phone call, Foreign Secretary Lazaro stated that both sides achieved a "positive understanding" concerning the Philippines' energy security and the safety of its seafarers.

A day prior to the call, Lazaro met with the Iranian Ambassador in Manila to formally request recognition of the Philippines as a "non-hostile nation."

Tehran has not yet commented on the information.

Fuel prices in the Philippines surged to record highs following a US-Israel attack on Iran on 28/2. In response, Tehran nearly completely blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which approximately 20% of the world's crude oil passes.

Iran has stated that "non-hostile vessels" can traverse the strait if they coordinate with Tehran and comply with published security regulations.

Location of the Strait of Hormuz. Graphic: Guardian

Location of the Strait of Hormuz. Graphic: Guardian

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a national energy emergency last week, citing impacts from the Middle East conflict.

In a report to the Philippine Stock Exchange this week, Petron Corp, the sole refinery operator in the Southeast Asian nation, announced that it agreed to purchase approximately 2,5 million barrels of Russian crude due to urgent necessity. AFP previously reported that a Russian crude oil tanker docked at a port dedicated to Petron Corp's refinery.

A few days before the Philippines' announcement, neighboring Malaysia reported that its oil tankers were permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without paying fees to Tehran.

Pham Giang (AFP)