Iran will allow the safe passage of the Philippine-bound oil tankers
Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on April 2 to discuss stronger bilateral cooperation across all fronts.
Manuel Mogato | April 2, 2026
Manila - Tehran promised to allow the safe passage of oil and gas Philippine-flagged tankers bound for the oil-thirsty Southeast Asian country, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.
Iran gave assurances that tankers loaded with energy resources will not be attacked and will be allowed to pass through the narrow Strait of Hormuz, the DFA said.
“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,” the statement said.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on April 2 to discuss stronger bilateral cooperation across all fronts.
The two ministers “had a very productive phone conversation today.”
”The call concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to maintaining excellent relations and achieving lasting peace through continued dialogue and diplomacy,” it added.
Iran’s assurances would ease concerns on oil supply, as some sectors feared there would be rationing in the coming months if the Philippines fails to source alternative fuel sources. (Also read: Russian oil could save the Philippines’ supply woes)
“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,” the DFA statement added.
A few days ago, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr instructed Lazaro to negotiate with her Iranian counterpart to allow Philippine-bound tankers and cargo vessels safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz after Tehran allowed Chinese, Indian, Malaysian, Thai, and other countries not allied with the United States and Israel to sail through the narrow straits.
Petron, which controls 30 percent of the country’s oil market, lost shipments of at least 4 million barrels of oil during the first two weeks of the Iran conflict. (Also read: How long will Iran hold the world hostage in the Strait of Hormuz?)
It was forced to purchase 2.48 million barrels of oil from Russia’s Far East near Vladivostok. About 700,000 barrels were delivered to its refinery plant in Limay, Bataan. It was expected to get more oil deliveries in the coming weeks.
“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 DFA said.
About 98 percent of the country’s oil requirements were sourced from the Middle East.
The conflict in the Middle East will enter its sixth week with no end in sight, even as US President Donald Trump assured the war would end in two to three weeks. (Also read: Iran is Turning Out to be Another Vietnam but Worse)
Washington has been pouring more troops, such as the US Marines and the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, and military assets, including a third carrier, USS George HW Bush.