🔶 Severe concern from ASEAN countries over the resumption of clashes between the United States and Iran

Southeast Asian countries have expressed their "serious concerns" about the resumption of clashes between the United States and Iran, because the renewed blockage of the Strait of Hormuz would put the energy security of the region at risk.

The foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) said in a joint statement: «We are deeply concerned that these developments will significantly undermine the efforts being made by key mediators and will dim the prospect of reaching a peaceful solution through dialogue and diplomacy.»

Asian countries have suffered the most from Iran’s operational blockade of the strait; a vital passage through which about 60% of the region’s energy needs are supplied.

Earlier this year, these energy-dependent countries resorted to unprecedented measures to keep their economies running; so much so that the Philippines even declared a national emergency.