Newsletters
Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) expressed “serious concern” Wednesday over the rapidly escalating conflict in the Middle East and urged all parties to respect international law and adhere to the U.N. Charter.
In a joint statement, the ministers said they were closely monitoring developments following attacks initiated by the U.S. and Israel against Iran on Feb. 28 and subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran against several countries in the region.
They said the developments continue to heighten tensions in the Middle East and pose a grave threat to the lives and safety of civilians as well as regional and global peace and stability.
“We call on all countries to respect international law, including the Charter of the United Nations,” the ministers said, stressing the need to avoid actions that could further destabilize the region.
2 min read
The ministers said the escalation was particularly regrettable as it occurred amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, including mediation initiatives led by Oman aimed at advancing a negotiated solution to the crisis.
They reiterated the obligation to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure during armed conflicts in line with international law and relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions.
“We emphasize the importance of an immediate cessation of hostilities and call on all parties concerned to exercise utmost self-restraint, avoid any acts that may further aggravate the situation, and resolve differences through diplomacy and dialogue in the interest of maintaining peace and stability in the region,” the statement said.
Tensions across the region have escalated since the U.S. and Israel launched large-scale attacks on Iran on Saturday, killing nearly 800 people, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior military officials.
Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Gulf countries hosting U.S. military assets.
Six U.S. service members were killed and several others wounded in an Iranian strike on a tactical operations center in Kuwait during the operation, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
