Philippines Seeks Passage of Vessels in Talks With Iran Envoy

The Philippines’ top diplomat has asked Iran to designate the Southeast Asian nation as a “non-hostile country” and ensure the safe passage for Philippine-flagged vessels and oil shipments amid the Middle East war.

“This is vital for the protection of our seafarers and our energy supply,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a statement on Wednesday. Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro is expected to speak with her Iranian counterpart on Thursday “to personally secure these commitments at the highest level,” Castro added.