Gov't plans to engage in high-level talks with Iran on safe passage of vessels — Palace

The Philippine government plans to engage in high-level discussions with Iran to ensure the safe passage of Philippine-bound vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

The move follows a proposal from Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has already directed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to initiate discussions.

DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro is expected to meet with the Iranian Ambassador as early as this week to discuss securing critical shipping routes for vital supplies, including fuel.

“Ayon po kay Secretary Tess Lazaro ng DFA, makikipag-usap po siya sa ambassador ng Iran… most probably tomorrow, kung hindi man by next week,” Castro said. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to initiate these talks.

The talks are expected to focus on ensuring that vessels bound for the Philippines can safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route that handles a significant portion of the world’s oil supply.

The waterway has become a focal point of concern as tensions in the Middle East threaten to disrupt maritime traffic and energy flows.

Any blockage or instability in the area could have serious implications for countries like the Philippines, which depend heavily on imported petroleum.

Recent global developments have underscored the vulnerability of energy supply chains, prompting the Philippine government to adopt precautionary measures, including the declaration of a national energy emergency.

Castro, however, said there were no specific details yet on whether particular ships bound for the Philippines are currently scheduled to pass through the strait.

“Wala pa pong nabanggit sa atin si Secretary,” she said.

A national energy emergency has been declared as a precautionary measure and the Philippine government is currently focused on stabilizing fuel prices and safeguarding supply chains.

Meanwhile, the government has also been ramping up coordination among agencies to address the broader impact of the Middle East crisis on overseas Filipino workers.

-Paraluman News