MANILA — Department of Foreign Affairs (Philippines) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Department of Energy (Philippines) Secretary Sharon Garin met with Iranian Ambassador to the Philippines Yousef Esmaeilzadeh on Wednesday to discuss ways to deepen energy cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting in Pasay City came a day after Malacañang directed the DFA to hold talks with Tehran to ensure the safe passage of Philippine-bound ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

Lazaro said in a post on X that the discussions focused on “key avenues for cooperation” and build on the momentum from previous political consultations held between Iran and the Philippines in November 2025.

“Building on the momentum of our Political Consultations last November 2025, we are committed to deepening our cooperation across all fronts, particularly energy cooperation,” Lazaro said.

The DFA did not provide further details on the nature of the potential cooperation or whether any agreements were reached regarding ship passage in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait has been under a de facto blockade by Tehran following joint US-Israeli military operations on February 28 that targeted Iranian nuclear sites and resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader. The blockade, which affects one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, has disrupted global energy markets, leading to rising oil and fuel prices.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last week declared a state of national energy emergency to address potential fuel supply disruptions and stabilize the country’s energy sector.