PH asks Iran to grant ‘non-hostile country’ status for safe passage in Strait of Hormuz 

The Philippines has asked Iran to designate it as a “non-hostile country” and ensure the safe passage of Philippine-flagged vessels along the Strait of Hormuz amid the tensions in the Middle East. 

“This is vital for the protection of our seafarers and our energy supply. DOE is finalizing the necessary details for immediate transmission,” said Press Secretary Claire Castro on Wednesday, following the meeting of Foreign Affairs chief Tess Lazaro and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin with the Iranian envoy Yousef Esmaeilzadeh.

Castro said that it was Lazaro who made the request during the meeting, which she described as “exceptionally warm and open.” 

“Amb. Esmaeilzadeh noted that they have been awaiting our outreach and reaffirmed their strong willingness to assist the Philippines with our specific requests,” Castro said. 

“We agreed to course all detailed requests through official diplomatic channels to expedite processing.”

Iranian forces began enforcing a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz last March, according to EU naval officials who monitored radio warnings sent to multiple tankers. 

The Strait of Hormuz is considered the world’s most vital oil export route, connecting the biggest Gulf oil producers with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. The Strait is where  20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passes.

Further, the Palace said that Lazaro is expected to speak with the Iranian Foreign Minister on Thursday “to personally secure these commitments at the highest level.” 

Meanwhile, Lazaro said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that they “discussed key avenues for cooperation” during the meeting. 

“Building on the momentum of our Political Consultations last November 2025, we are committed to deepening our cooperation across all fronts, particularly energy cooperation,” the post read. 

Pleased to meet Iranian Ambassador to PH, H.E. Yousef Esmaeilzadeh today to further our bilateral agenda. Joined by Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, we discussed key avenues for cooperation. ????????????????
?Building on the momentum of our Political Consultations last November 2025, we are… pic.twitter.com/80j6smBeng

— Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro (@SecLazaro) April 1, 2026

The meeting happened after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said that he wants high-level discussions with Iran to ensure the safe passage of Philippine-bound vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/LDF, GMA News