Southeast Asian bloc backs diplomacy and calls for immediate end to hostilities
MANILA: Southeast Asian nations on Tuesday urged the United States and Iran to exercise “utmost self-restraint” as renewed hostilities continue to escalate and complicate diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring stability in the Middle East.
The appeal came in a joint communiqué issued by the foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) following the bloc’s 59th annual meeting in Manila, the Philippine capital.
In the statement, ASEAN expressed “serious concern” over the rapidly evolving security situation involving the United States and Iran. The ministers warned that the latest developments were undermining ongoing mediation efforts and reducing the prospects for a peaceful settlement through dialogue and diplomacy.
The bloc also called on all parties involved to avoid actions that could further aggravate the conflict and increase regional instability.
Diplomacy remains the preferred path
ASEAN reaffirmed its support for international law and stressed the importance of preserving regional peace, stability and prosperity. The ministers urged all sides to pursue genuine dialogue and diplomatic engagement while calling for a complete and immediate cessation of hostilities across the Middle East.
The statement reflects growing international concern over the conflict’s wider impact on global security, trade and energy markets.
Mediation efforts continue
The call for restraint comes as fighting between the United States and Iran continues despite reports of ongoing mediation aimed at reducing tensions. Pakistan and Qatar have been identified by multiple reports as key mediators encouraging both sides to return to negotiations and de-escalate the conflict.
According to the reports, diplomatic proposals under discussion include measures related to the Strait of Hormuz, maritime security and broader economic issues. However, the governments involved have not publicly confirmed the details of any final agreement.
Meanwhile, military exchanges between the two sides have continued, with reports of US strikes and Iranian retaliatory attacks targeting American assets in the region.
ASEAN concluded by reiterating that dialogue, restraint and adherence to international law remain the most effective means of resolving conflicts and preventing further instability in the Middle East.
