Ankara: The Southeast Asian nations have called on the United States and Iran to exercise 'utmost self-restraint', warning that the renewed conflict between the two countries is undermining the ongoing efforts of key mediators to find a peaceful solution.
According to Anadolu Agency, a joint communique was issued by top diplomats from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during their annual meeting in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, which is currently chairing the 11-member bloc. The communique expressed serious concern over the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East, particularly highlighting the renewed hostilities involving the US and Iran.
The ASEAN diplomats emphasized their deep concern over how these developments are severely undermining the efforts of mediators and diminishing the prospects for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. They urged all parties involved to exercise utmost self-restraint and avoid actions that could further aggravate the situation.
The diplomats underscored the importance of maintaining regional peace, stability, and prosperity. They stressed the need to uphold international law and promote genuine dialogue and diplomacy in addressing conflicts and tensions. This includes calling for a complete and immediate cessation of hostilities across all fronts in the Middle East.
The call for calm comes amid ongoing exchanges of fire between the US and Iran. This is despite a memorandum of understanding brokered by Pakistan, which both countries signed in June to end their conflict and work towards a lasting peace agreement. Pakistan and Qatar have been the main mediators, urging the warring sides to halt strikes and return to the pre-July 9 status.
The US continued its military strikes on Iran for the 10th consecutive day on Tuesday, leading to retaliatory actions by Tehran across the Middle East, targeting American assets and bases. A joint proposal by Islamabad and Doha has been put forward, asking Tehran and Washington to open the Strait of Hormuz, lift the blockade on Iranian ports, and terminate sanctions on Iranian oil.