ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting Urges US-Iran Restraint, Calls for Resumption of Hormuz Passage

The foreign ministers of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) have called for the restraint of war between the United States and Iran, as well as the resumption of passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

On the 21st (local time), foreign ministers attending the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Ministerial Meeting in Manila, Philippines, are seen holding hands. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting began on July 21, 2026 (local time) in Manila, Philippines, starting a three-day schedule. In a joint statement, member nations expressed "serious concern" about the potential resumption of war between the United States and Iran, stating that trade, food, and energy security in the region could suffer greater harm as a result. They added, "We call on all relevant parties to exercise maximum restraint and to avoid any actions that could further aggravate the situation."

They emphasized the importance of maintaining maritime safety and security, and the freedom of navigation and overflight. They stated that safe, unimpeded, and continuous passage of vessels and aircraft must be restored in the Strait of Hormuz.

They also plan to discuss the prompt ratification of the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), which pertains to the sharing and support of petroleum among ASEAN member countries in times of crisis, as well as the implementation of the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) initiative agreed upon at the ASEAN Summit in May.

The ASEAN foreign ministers are scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on July 22. During the meeting, it is expected that they will discuss concerns that U.S. focus on the war with Iran may lead to instability in the country's Asia-Pacific policy.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.