Pinoy Seafarers Get Major Safety Boost in Strait of Hormuz After Iran Promise
STRAIT OF HORMUZ – Filipino seafarers and Philippine vessels received a major boost after Iran assured safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Philippine government has secured assurances from Iran that Filipino seafarers and Philippine-flagged vessels can safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil route, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
In an official statement, the DFA highlighted the outcome of discussions between Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. The talks focused on ensuring safe maritime passage as the Philippines continues to rely on energy imports from the Middle East.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, connects the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea. It is considered one of the world’s most important oil chokepoints, making its accessibility vital for global and regional energy supply chains.
According to the DFA, Iran has guaranteed the safe passage of Philippine-flagged ships, energy shipments, and Filipino seafarers through the strategic waterway. This assurance comes amid concerns over partial disruptions in the area, which have affected oil prices worldwide, including in the Philippines.
The full official statement reads, “Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro had a very productive phone conversation today with the Iranian Foreign Minister, His Excellency Seyed Abbas Araghchi, to discuss stronger bilateral cooperation on all fronts.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“The call concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to maintaining excellent relations and achieving lasting peace through continued dialogue and diplomacy,” it said.
Secretary Lazaro emphasized that the development is crucial not only for protecting Filipino workers at sea but also for maintaining a stable energy supply. With the Philippines heavily dependent on imported fuel, uninterrupted access through the Strait is essential.
The Philippine government also requested Iran to consider the country as a “non-enemy” state in the Strait of Hormuz, especially as it faces challenges in meeting domestic oil demand due to limited access to the route.
Earlier, on April 1, Lazaro met with Iranian Ambassador to Manila Yousef Esmaeilzadeh to formally convey the request, following the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
The development comes as tensions in the Middle East continue to influence global oil prices, directly impacting the Philippine economy.
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