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ASEAN Urges Immediate Halt To Middle East Escalation; Warns Of Threat To Civilians
Photo credit: ASEAN
Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have expressed serious concern over the rapidly intensifying conflict in the Middle East, calling for an immediate end to hostilities following a series of attacks between major powers in the region.
In an official statement released on March 4, ASEAN said it is following closely the situation after Israel and the United States launched attacks against Iran on February 28, 2026, triggering retaliatory strikes by Iran on several countries. The targets included Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates.
The bloc warned that the escalating confrontation poses a grave threat to the lives and safety of civilians, as well as to broader regional and global stability. It stressed that all countries must respect international law, including the United Nations Charter, which obligates states to settle disputes peacefully.
ASEAN described the situation as particularly regrettable, noting that the violence erupted despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, including mediation initiatives led by Oman aimed at advancing dialogue between the parties.
The foreign ministers reiterated the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities, urging all sides to exercise utmost self-restraint, avoid actions that could worsen the crisis, and commit to resolving differences through diplomacy and dialogue.
They also underscored the obligation of all states to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in accordance with international humanitarian law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
With millions of Southeast Asians living and working across the Middle East, ASEAN reaffirmed its commitment to providing emergency assistance to its nationals. This includes support under long-standing regional agreements that allow ASEAN embassies to help citizens from other member states during crisis situations abroad.
The statement reflects ASEAN’s long-standing foreign policy stance: prioritizing de-escalation, respect for sovereignty, and the protection of civilian lives amid global conflict.
In an official statement released on March 4, ASEAN said it is following closely the situation after Israel and the United States launched attacks against Iran on February 28, 2026, triggering retaliatory strikes by Iran on several countries. The targets included Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates.
The bloc warned that the escalating confrontation poses a grave threat to the lives and safety of civilians, as well as to broader regional and global stability. It stressed that all countries must respect international law, including the United Nations Charter, which obligates states to settle disputes peacefully.
ASEAN described the situation as particularly regrettable, noting that the violence erupted despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, including mediation initiatives led by Oman aimed at advancing dialogue between the parties.
The foreign ministers reiterated the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities, urging all sides to exercise utmost self-restraint, avoid actions that could worsen the crisis, and commit to resolving differences through diplomacy and dialogue.
They also underscored the obligation of all states to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in accordance with international humanitarian law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
With millions of Southeast Asians living and working across the Middle East, ASEAN reaffirmed its commitment to providing emergency assistance to its nationals. This includes support under long-standing regional agreements that allow ASEAN embassies to help citizens from other member states during crisis situations abroad.
The statement reflects ASEAN’s long-standing foreign policy stance: prioritizing de-escalation, respect for sovereignty, and the protection of civilian lives amid global conflict.
Mar 4, 2026
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