Asia – The foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have formally welcomed the recent ceasefire between the United States and Iran. In a joint statement, the ten-member bloc expressed their hope that this truce will serve as a significant step towards a permanent peace settlement and long-term regional stability. The ministers highlighted the global necessity of maintaining secure energy flows and open trade routes, which are essential for the prosperity of the international community.

Central to their appeal was the call for the restoration of safe and unimpeded transit for vessels and aircraft through the Strait of Hormuz. The ministers stressed that all parties must ensure the safety of seafarers and ships in strict accordance with international safety conventions. While Southeast Asia has its own fossil fuel reserves, the region remains heavily reliant on imported energy transported through this vital waterway. Consequently, the bloc urged Washington and Tehran to continue earnest negotiations and praised the mediation efforts led by Pakistan to reach a definitive end to the conflict.