Trump’s Hormuz Deadline Looms, Yet Asian Nations Have Already Secured Agreements With Iran

US President Donald Trump issued a warning on Monday, vowing to strike Iran “in one night” should it not agree to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 20:00EDT (00:00GMT) on Tuesday. However, prior to this latest escalation, several nations had already reached accords with Tehran to ensure the free movement of their ships through the strategic waterway.

Asian countries, notably the Philippines, have been proactive in negotiating with Iran. Their economies depend heavily on Gulf energy, making the strait a vital lifeline. The waterway became a global focal point after Iran vowed retaliation against US and Israeli strikes by threatening to target vessels passing through it.

Oil prices have risen sharply since the disruption in shipping, as the strait handles a fifth of the world’s energy trade. Trump previously stated the US no longer required Gulf oil, pushing countries to deploy warships and take the lead in restoring traffic. In recent weeks, nations such as Pakistan, India, and the Philippines have secured assurances for their vessels to navigate the channel safely.

“Our Indian friends are in safe hands, no worries,”

posted the Iranian Embassy in India on X, highlighting the country’s confidence in its diplomatic approach. Meanwhile, China, the largest buyer of Iranian oil, confirmed some of its ships had crossed the strait, though details remained scarce. A spokesperson noted that three Chinese vessels had transited the waterway following coordination with relevant parties.

The Philippines, the most recent to formalize a deal, received guarantees for “safe, unhindered and expeditious passage” of its flagged ships. Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro described the agreement, reached after a productive phone call with Tehran, as “vital” for maintaining energy and fertilizer supplies. The nation imports 98% of its oil from the Middle East and was the first to declare a national energy emergency after domestic prices doubled during the Iran conflict.

Uncertainty persists regarding the extent of these agreements. According to Dimitris Maniatis from Marisks, it remains unclear whether assurances apply to all vessels or specific ships. Roger Fouquet from the National University of Singapore’s Energy Studies Institute noted the Philippines’ status as a US ally makes its deal with Iran particularly noteworthy, suggesting Tehran is willing to distinguish between alliances and direct involvement in the conflict.

Pakistan announced on 28 March that Iran had agreed to allow 20 of its ships to pass through the strait. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar praised the move as a “welcome and constructive gesture,” emphasizing diplomacy as the path forward. China, alongside Pakistan, has sought to broker a ceasefire between the US and Iran, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.

Vessel-tracking data reveal that despite the conflict, US-sanctioned Iranian oil continues to flow to China. The exact terms of these arrangements—whether ships paid to traverse the strait or had other incentives—remain undisclosed. As the deadline approaches, the outcome of Trump’s threat may hinge on how effectively these nations navigate Iran’s evolving stance on the critical shipping route.