Philippine energy security concerns are driving a fresh diplomatic push toward Tehran, with Manila formally requesting that Iran classify the Philippines as a non-hostile nation to protect its oil tankers navigating the partially closed Strait of Hormuz.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin joined Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro in a Wednesday meeting with Iranian Ambassador Yousef Esmaeilzadeh — a pairing that underscored how the request straddles both diplomatic and economic urgency. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Lazaro stressed the designation is “vital for the protection of our seafarers and our energy supply.”
The appeal comes even as the Philippines maintains close defense ties with the United States, one of the parties behind the February 28 strikes on Iran that triggered partial closure of the strait — a chokepoint critical to Philippine oil imports. Fuel prices have since climbed to historic highs in the archipelago.
Iran’s ambassador appeared receptive. Castro relayed that Esmaeilzadeh told the Philippine officials that Tehran “has been awaiting our outreach and reaffirmed their strong willingness to assist the Philippines with our specific requests.” Manila, for its part, agreed to channel all formal requests through official diplomatic lines to speed up processing.
Lazaro is expected to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday to seek firm commitments directly at the ministerial level. The Department of Energy is separately working to finalize vessel information for immediate transmission to Iranian authorities.
The diplomatic outreach traces back to a Monday meeting of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport committee — a body convened under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has declared a national energy emergency and directed officials to pursue safe passage arrangements with Tehran.
Castro described Wednesday’s exchange as “exceptionally warm and open,” adding that the government is “highly optimistic about a favorable outcome” given Iran’s stated cooperative posture.
