PH-Iran safe passage deal stands amid Homuz tensions - DFA

MANILA, April 14 ------ The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippines’ agreement with Iran to guarantee safe passage for Philippine-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz remains in effect.

This, despite escalating tensions and reports of a possible United States blockade. Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said the arrangement remains following a special meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers. “Well, the agreement between the Philippines and Iran through the discussions that we had will remain the same,” Lazaro said. She added that coordination with Iranian authorities is ongoing, adding that she recently spoke again with the Iranian ambassador to the Philippines. “Just last Saturday, the Iranian ambassador called me up in view of the two or three Philippine flag vessels that hopefully will be due to pass that Strait, I mean, the safe passage,” she said.

Tensions in the region have intensified following the collapse of peace talks between the US and Iran, along with remarks by US President Donald Trump about a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. ASEAN Chair Lazaro convened the second Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the Middle East on Monday April 13.

Discussions centered on energy and food security, as well as the safety of ASEAN nationals working and traveling in affected areas. “The discussion today was centering on the issues of energy security, food security, and as I said the safety of ASEAN nationals,” Lazaro said, adding that the reported blockade “is something that has been given as a background.”

ASEAN foreign ministers agreed to strengthen regional cooperation to address disruptions, particularly those affecting supply chains. The meeting underscored the need to maintain open trade flows and enhance coordination on food systems and crisis response mechanisms. The bloc is also considering mechanisms to allow faster consultations and policy coordination during major crises. “We also discussed the potential establishment of an ASEAN Foreign Minister's Crisis Communications Protocol, which may be convened rapidly as needed at our level, to enable timely consultations, information sharing, and policy coordination among major crises affecting the region, with a focus on geoeconomic issues and shocks,” Lazaro said.

The ministers also emphasized the importance of protecting seafarers navigating high-risk routes, reaffirming adherence to international safety standards. Lazaro said the Philippine government continues to assist affected overseas Filipino workers, with repatriation efforts ongoing. She added that the Philippine government continues to assist overseas Filipino workers affected by the conflict, with repatriation efforts ongoing.

Despite the regional uncertainty, she confirmed that the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu will push through, albeit in a simplified format. “It will be very simple, very austere, but it will be a face-to-face meeting among the leaders of ASEAN,” she said, adding that discussions on energy security, food security, and the safety of ASEAN nationals is of utmost importance right now to the ASEAN bloc.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com