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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH asks Iran to be declared 'non-hostile country' in Strait of Hormuz

PH asks Iran to be declared 'non-hostile country' in Strait of Hormuz

Published Apr 1, 2026 07:24 pm
The Philippines has asked Iran to be designated as a “non-hostile” country in the Strait of Hormuz as the government is struggling to meet its oil needs due to the waterway’s partial closure.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro on Wednesday, April 1, sat down with Iranian Ambassador to Manila Yousef Esmaeilzadeh to relay Manila’s request upon President Marcos’ directive.
In their discussion, Lazaro said Manila is asking for safe passage of Philippine-flagged vessels and oil shipments in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has partially closed in its leverage in the conflict with the US and Israel.
Lazaro requested Iran to formally designate the Philippines as a “non-hostile country” in a move that Malacañang said “is vital for the protection of our seafarers and our energy supply.”
Lazaro is also set to talk with her Iranian counterpart, Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas Araghchi, to secure “from the highest-level” such a commitment, especially as the Philippines has already declared national energy emergency, with current oil supply only available until end of June.
According to Esmaeilzadeh, the embassy had long awaited Manila’s outreach as he affirmed Tehran’s “strong willingness” to assist the Philippines in its needs.
“We agreed to course all detailed requests through official diplomatic channels to expedite processing,” Malacañang said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Energy (DOE) is finalizing the necessary details for immediate transmission, Malacañang said.
“The meeting was exceptionally warm and open. Given their stated readiness to cooperate, we are highly optimistic about a favorable outcome,” it added.

Related Tags

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Iran Theresa Lazaro Malacañang PH-Iran Claire Castro Oil crisis
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