The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has issued a strong statement condemning the recent military actions by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran, which have triggered a sharp escalation of violence across the Middle East. According to ASEAN foreign ministers, the attacks launched on February 28, 2026, have provoked retaliatory strikes by Iran against multiple countries in the region, including Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates, raising alarm over civilian safety and the stability of the entire region.
The ministers expressed deep regret that this escalation occurred despite ongoing diplomatic initiatives, notably those mediated by the Sultanate of Oman, aimed at achieving a negotiated solution. They highlighted that the attacks threaten not only regional peace but also international security, emphasizing the urgent need for all parties to respect international law, including the United Nations Charter, and to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further aggravation of the conflict.
ASEAN stressed that the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in armed conflict is a fundamental obligation under international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The organization also reiterated its commitment to providing emergency assistance to ASEAN nationals caught in the crisis, in line with established consular guidelines and protocols for crisis situations.
The statement calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urges all nations involved to resolve their differences through diplomacy and dialogue. ASEAN leaders warned that continued military aggression by the United States and Israel risks undermining decades of efforts toward regional stability and global peace, making restraint and negotiation essential in the current volatile situation.
