Iran has agreed to ensure the "safe, unhindered, and expeditious passage" of all Philippine vessels, energy sources, and Filipino seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. This assurance was confirmed by Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro following a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Thursday, April 2. The agreement comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with the Strait of Hormuz serving as a major flashpoint where Iran controls passage. Approximately 20,000 seafarers were reported stranded in the area by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on the same day. This development is crucial for the Philippines, which imports the majority of its energy from the Middle East, ensuring the steady delivery of vital oil and fertilizer supplies.