The assurance came after the Philippine Foreign Minister, Theresa Lazaro, spoke with her Iranian counterpart Abbas ​Araghchi, with the two top diplomats tackling energy supply security ⁠and the safety of Filipino seafarers.

“During the call, ​the Iranian Foreign Minister assured the Secretary that Iran ​will allow the safe, unhindered, and expeditious passage through the Strait of Hormuz of Philippine-flagged vessels, energy sources, and all ​Filipino seafarers,” the Philippine foreign ministry said in ​a statement.

Lazaro described the call as “productive”, saying they reached a “positive understanding” ‌to ⁠ensure the safety of seafarers and the security of the Philippines’ energy needs.

The Philippine foreign ministry said the assurances will shore up the country’s energy security.

“Given ​that the ​Philippines imports ⁠the majority of its energy requirements from the Middle East, these assurances from ​Iran will greatly facilitate the steady delivery ​of ⁠critical oil and fertiliser supplies to the Philippines,” the ministry said.

The Philippines imports almost all of its crude ⁠from ​the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia ​its biggest supplier, making it vulnerable to oil price shocks and ​supply disruptions.