Philippines Lobby Iran to Allow Oil Shipments Through Strait of Hormuz

JAKARTA - Presidential spokesperson Claire Castro said the Philippine government would begin diplomatic talks with Iran to ensure the smooth delivery of oil through the Strait of Hormuz.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier instructed the Department of Foreign Affairs to lead efforts to safeguard the country's energy supply security.

"The President has instructed Foreign Minister Tess Lazaro. He will speak to the Iranian Ambassador, most likely tomorrow (Wednesday), or next week," Castro said, as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, April 1.

In late February, the US and Israel launched attacks on targets in Iran, including the capital Tehran, which caused damage and killed civilians.

Iran retaliated by attacking Israel and a number of US military facilities in the Middle East.

Escalation in the region led to a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the main route for shipping oil and liquefied natural gas to global markets, thus affecting energy exports and production and driving up prices.