Pasay city: Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin sought to deepen energy cooperation between the Philippines and Iran in a meeting with the latter's top envoy to Manila on Wednesday. The discussions aimed to address the ongoing Middle East crisis and its impact on the energy sector.

According to Philippines News Agency, the two secretaries met with Iranian Ambassador to the Philippines Yousef Esmaeilzadeh in Pasay City, following an instruction from Malaca±ang for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to begin talks with Tehran. The primary goal was to ensure the safe passage of Philippine-bound ships through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on X, Lazaro mentioned that the discussions focused on 'key avenues for cooperation' and emphasized the importance of building on the momentum from the previous political talks between Iran and the Philippines in 2025. She highlighted the commitment to enhance cooperation, especially in the energy sector.

The DFA refrained from providing further information regarding the specific areas of cooperation or any agreements related to ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The situation in the Strait has been tense following Tehran's de facto blockade as a response to joint military operations by Israel and the United States, which targeted Iran's nuclear sites.

The blockade has disrupted one of the world's most vital maritime chokepoints, causing significant impacts on global energy markets, including rising oil and fuel prices. In response to these developments, the Philippine government, under President Marcos, declared a state of national energy emergency to mitigate potential fuel supply disruptions and stabilize the energy sector.