Rubio attending, Asean meet flags ‘serious concerns’ over renewed US-Iran hostilities

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has voiced "serious concern" over the renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran, calling on both sides to exercise maximum restraint and return to dialogue as fighting in West Asia continues to escalate.

The appeal came during the Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting, attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, at a time when tensions in the Gulf remain high.

In a joint statement, Asean warned that the latest military exchanges risk undermining diplomatic efforts and reducing the chances of a peaceful settlement.

The regional bloc also highlighted growing concerns over maritime security, urging the restoration of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route that has been severely affected by the ongoing conflict.

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Asean urges restraint and return to diplomacy

In its statement, Asean said it was deeply concerned by the rapidly evolving situation in West Asia, particularly the renewed conflict involving the United States and Iran.

The grouping warned that continued hostilities were weakening ongoing mediation efforts and making a diplomatic solution more difficult to achieve.

"We expressed serious concern over the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East, particularly the renewed hostilities involving the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran," Asean said.

The bloc urged all parties to show the "utmost self-restraint" and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions. It also stressed the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability, upholding international law, and pursuing dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts.

Asean further called for a "complete and immediate cessation of hostilities across all fronts in the Middle East."

Concern over Strait of Hormuz

The ministers also expressed concern over disruptions to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, through which around one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes.

Asean reaffirmed the importance of maritime safety and freedom of navigation in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It voiced concern over any unilateral or discriminatory measures that obstruct vessels using the Strait of Hormuz or other international waterways.

The bloc called for the restoration of safe, unimpeded and continuous transit through the strait, while also urging all parties to ensure the safety of ships and seafarers in line with international maritime conventions.

Conflict continues despite ceasefire reports

Asean's appeal comes as the security situation in the Gulf remains fragile. The United States has continued military strikes on Iranian targets, while Tehran has responded with attacks on US assets in the region, particularly in Jordan and Bahrain.

The fighting has also disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with both the United States and Iran maintaining restrictions that have effectively halted commercial transit through the strategic waterway.

The conflict intensified further after three US soldiers were killed in recent fighting, prompting Washington to step up its military operations.

At the same time, there are signs that diplomatic efforts may be underway. Reports suggest that indirect ceasefire talks have begun and that Iran has received a US proposal for a possible 10-day ceasefire. However, neither Washington nor Tehran has officially confirmed the reports, leaving the prospects for de-escalation uncertain.