ASEAN backs Iran-US ceasefire, urges lasting peace

Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have welcomed the recent ceasefire between the United States and Iran, calling for its full implementation and urging continued negotiations to achieve a lasting resolution to the conflict.

In a statement issued on April 13, ASEAN members endorsed the two-week truce announced on April 8 and stressed the need to prevent further escalation in the Middle East, warning of risks to global economic stability and energy supplies, Caliber.Az reports. 

The bloc underscored the importance of maintaining maritime security and freedom of navigation, particularly in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil shipments passes. It called for the restoration of safe and uninterrupted transit for vessels and aircraft in line with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as aviation and maritime safety standards set by global bodies.

ASEAN also urged all parties to ensure the safety of seafarers and comply with established frameworks such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.

The ministers called on Washington and Tehran to continue diplomatic engagement toward a permanent end to hostilities, commending mediation efforts by Pakistan and other stakeholders.

Emphasising the broader implications of the conflict, ASEAN warned that disruptions to shipping lanes and energy flows could have far-reaching consequences for global markets. It called for restraint, adherence to ceasefire terms, and the avoidance of actions that could further inflame tensions.

The bloc reiterated its support for resolving disputes through peaceful means, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure. It also highlighted the need to safeguard the security of UN peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel.

ASEAN concluded by stressing that dialogue and diplomacy remain essential to ensuring long-term peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East.

By Sabina Mammadli