MANILA, Philippines – The ASEAN Foreign Ministers expressed serious concern over the escalation of conflict in the Middle East following the attacks by Israel and the United States against Iran last Friday, 28 February 2026.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Philippines as ASEAN Chair, released a statement, calling on all parties concerned to exercise “utmost self-restraint" and to avoid any acts that may further aggravate the situation.
The statement also said that differences should be resolved “through diplomacy and dialogue” in the interest of maintaining peace and stability in the region.
“We reaffirm the obligation of all States to resolve their differences through peaceful means and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, in line with international law, including the UN Charter,” the statement read.
The ASEAN also called the escalation “regrettable” as it occurred during ongoing diplomatic efforts, including mediation initiatives led by the Sultanate of Oman, aimed at advancing a negotiated solution regarding the conflict.
The ASEAN also mentioned the “grave threat to the lives and safety of civilians” brought about by retaliatory attacks by Iran against several countries in the region, including the Kingdom of Bahrain, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, State of Kuwait, Sultanate of Oman, State of Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Syrian Arab Republic, and the United Arab Emirates, which continue to heighten tensions in the Middle East.
“We further reiterate the obligations to protect civilians and civilian infrastructures in armed conflicts consistent with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions,” the statement said.
“We also re-emphasise the shared commitment to provide emergency assistance to ASEAN nationals, especially during this time, in accordance with the ASEAN Declaration on the Guidelines on Consular Assistance by ASEAN Member States’ Missions in Third Countries to Nationals of Other ASEAN Member State and the Guidelines for the Provision of Emergency Assistance by ASEAN Missions in Third Countries to Nationals of ASEAN Member Countries in Crisis Situations,” the statement added.
Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran on Saturday, plunging the Middle East into a renewed military confrontation.
Tehran responded by launching missiles at Israel and called the strikes against it unprovoked and illegal.
(With reports from Reuters)
