ASEAN urges restraint as Middle East tensions escalate

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the ministers urged all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any actions that could worsen the crisis. They stressed the

MANILA: Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have voiced serious concern over the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the Middle East, warning that the escalating conflict could further destabilise the region and undermine international efforts to restore peace.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the ministers urged all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any actions that could worsen the crisis. They stressed the importance of de-escalation, emphasizing that continued military confrontations and rising tensions threaten regional and global stability.

The ministers noted that the latest developments are severely affecting diplomatic initiatives led by international and regional mediators. According to the statement, the ongoing escalation is reducing the prospects of achieving a peaceful settlement through dialogue and negotiations, making it increasingly difficult for mediators to bring the conflicting sides back to the negotiating table.

ASEAN reaffirmed its support for resolving disputes through diplomacy, international law and peaceful engagement rather than military action. The bloc called on all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue, protect civilians and work toward a sustainable political solution that would prevent further loss of life and humanitarian suffering.

The statement reflects growing international concern over the conflict’s potential to expand beyond the region, with many countries urging restraint and renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider crisis.