The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed “cautious optimism” over the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, hoping it could pave the way for lasting peace in the Middle East.
“The Philippines welcomes with cautious optimism the announcement of US-Iran peace talks which will be facilitated by Pakistan,” the DFA said in a statement. “We hope that the negotiations will lead to the permanent end of the conflict and lasting peace.”
U.S. President Donald Trump earlier agreed to the temporary ceasefire with Iran, less than two hours before his deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on its civilian infrastructure.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump called it a “double-sided CEASEFIRE,” citing progress toward a long-term peace agreement with Iran and the Middle East.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Philippines would use the ceasefire period to secure petroleum supplies.
“We will take full advantage of the two weeks to increase our supply as much as possible and continue to make whatever arrangements we can. We are hoping and praying that the two-week ceasefire will extend further if the talks go well,” he said.
In its statement, the DFA noted the Middle East conflict has “caused significant loss of lives and damage to civilian and economic infrastructure, as well as disruptions in the global economy.”
The agency reiterated that the Philippines continues to hope all parties resolve differences through dialogue and diplomacy.
