Iran Grants Another Country Safe Passage Through Strait of Hormuz

Iran has granted another country safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, where 20% of the world’s oil passes through. Unfortunately, it’s not Australia.

The Philippines, an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia, is the latest to be granted safe passage by Tehran.

The Philippines Granted Safe Passage

According to a report by 9News, the Philippines was able to secure safe passage for all vessels bound for the country.

“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’s Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

“It will not only ensure the safety of Filipino seafarers operating in the area but will also help ensure energy security for the country,” the statement added. “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.”

Which Other Countries Have Been Granted Safe Passage?

The Philippines joins a very, very short list of countries that have been granted safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Al Jazeera, vessels from China, India, and Pakistan have been able to pass through the strait.

The same has been the case for certain vessels from Oman, France, and Japan.

A separate Al Jazeera report adds that a Turkish vessel has also been granted safe passage. The report also notes that France and Italy have already requested talks with Iran regarding the safe passage of their vessels.

Iran previously informed the United Nations (UN) that it will allow safe passage for “non-hostile vessels” that coordinate with Iranian authorities first.

As of writing, it remains unclear if Iran considers Australia as non-hostile. Foreign Affairs Penny Wong has said in a statement that “Australia is not taking offensive action against Iran and we are not deploying troops on the ground in Iran.”

“The Australian Government continues to support de-escalation and the resolution of this conflict,” she emphasized. “The longer this war goes on, the more significant the impact on the global economy will be.”