MANILA — In a significant diplomatic breakthrough amid escalating Middle East tensions, Iran has officially committed to the “safe, unhindered, and expeditious” passage of Philippine-flagged vessels and Filipino seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz. The assurance was solidified during a high-level phone conversation on Thursday, April 2, 2026, between Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) underscored the critical nature of this agreement, noting that it serves as a dual victory for maritime safety and national resource stability. The agency stated that the development will not only protect the lives of Filipino mariners operating in the volatile corridor but “also help ensure energy security for the country.” This move is particularly vital as the Philippines relies heavily on the Middle East for the majority of its energy requirements, including oil and fertilizer.
Concerns regarding a potential financial burden on maritime transit were also addressed during the negotiations. Despite international reports suggesting Iran intended to impose a toll fee of at least USD1 per barrel—potentially costing each transiting vessel upwards of USD2 million—Philippine authorities clarified that no such charges would apply to local ships. “On question regarding the reported toll fee, there is no toll fee,” DFA spokesperson Analyn Ratonel confirmed in a message to reporters.
The diplomatic engagement follows a period of intense regional instability. Tehran had maintained a de facto blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, a primary maritime chokepoint, following joint military operations by Israel and the United States on February 28 that targeted Iranian nuclear sites and resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The resulting disruption to global energy markets recently prompted the Philippine government to declare a state of national energy emergency to mitigate rising fuel costs and supply shortages.
During the call, Secretary Lazaro and Minister Araghchi expressed a mutual commitment to maintaining bilateral relations through continued dialogue. The DFA emphasized that the assurances from Tehran are expected to facilitate the steady delivery of essential supplies, offering a reprieve for the Philippine economy as it navigates the impacts of the ongoing conflict in the Gulf. Both ministers concluded the discussion by reaffirming their dedication to achieving lasting peace through diplomacy.|
