Trump’s Hormuz deadline looms but Asian nations have already struck deals with Iran
Trump’s Hormuz Deadline Looms But Asian Nations Have Already Struck Deals With Iran
US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning on Monday, vowing to halt Iran’s access to the Strait of Hormuz “in one night” if a deal wasn’t finalized by Tuesday at 20:00 Washington DC time (00:00GMT Wednesday). Yet, prior to this escalation, several countries had already secured agreements with Tehran to allow their ships to navigate the vital waterway. Asian nations, including the Philippines, have been particularly proactive in negotiating terms, as their economies depend heavily on energy imports from the Gulf.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of global concern after Iran retaliated against US and Israeli airstrikes by vowing to target vessels passing through the channel. This has led to a spike in oil prices, with the narrow passage accounting for roughly one-fifth of global energy shipments. Trump recently declared the US could survive without Gulf oil, pushing other nations to deploy naval forces and broker deals to secure supply lines.
Recent agreements have seen countries like Pakistan, India, and the Philippines secure passage for their vessels through the strait. China, the largest buyer of Iranian crude, also confirmed its ships had crossed the route, though specifics were not disclosed. Analysts remain cautious about the extent of these commitments, with Dimitris Maniatis of shipping consultancy Marisks noting that it’s unclear whether the assurances apply to all ships or only those from specific nations.
Philippines Seeks Energy and Fertilizer Stability
Theresa Lazaro, the Philippines’ foreign affairs secretary, highlighted the significance of the latest accord with Iran, reached after a productive phone conversation on Thursday. “This agreement is vital for ensuring energy and fertilizer supplies,” she stated, emphasizing the deal’s importance amid rising oil prices. The Philippines, which imports 98% of its oil from the Middle East, was the first country to declare a national energy emergency when petrol costs doubled during the Iran conflict.
“Dialogue, diplomacy, and confidence-building measures are the only way forward,” said Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, praising Iran’s agreement to let 20 of its ships transit the strait.
Iran has also welcomed Indian vessels, with its embassy in India stating, “Our Indian friends are in safe hands, no worries.” Meanwhile, China confirmed that three of its ships had crossed the strait recently, though it did not specify Iran’s involvement. Vessel-tracking data shows that despite US sanctions, millions of barrels of Iranian oil have reached Chinese ports in recent weeks.
Uncertainty Over Iran’s Commitments
Roger Fouquet from the National University of Singapore’s Energy Studies Institute pointed out the ambiguity surrounding Iran’s claim that the strait remains open to all countries except the US and its allies. The Philippines, traditionally aligned with the US, now represents an intriguing case, suggesting Iran may be willing to distinguish between alliances and active conflict participation, according to Fouquet.
While some nations have secured passage, the exact terms of these arrangements—such as whether ships paid for safe transit—remain unclear. Over the weekend, Japan joined efforts to stabilize the situation, though details of its engagement were not yet released.
