ASEAN Foreign Ministers Hold Emergency Meeting on Escalating Middle East Conflict

PHNOM PENH, March 14, 2026 (KPT) – Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) convened a special videoconference on March 13 to address the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Middle East.

Ministers exchanged views on recent developments, their implications for global stability, and possible diplomatic measures to ease tensions.

The meeting followed an ASEAN statement earlier this month voicing “serious concern” over the escalating conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran.

On February 28, Israel and the United States launched strikes against Iran. Tehran responded with retaliatory attacks across the region, hitting targets in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the United Arab Emirates.

ASEAN warned that the escalation posed “a grave threat to the lives and safety of civilians, as well as to regional and global peace and stability.”

The bloc urged all parties to respect international law, including the UN Charter, and to refrain from further actions that could intensify the conflict.

The organisation described the timing of the escalation as “particularly regrettable,” noting it coincided with ongoing mediation efforts led by Oman.

Separately, Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was monitoring the situation with “deep concern.” In a statement issued on February 28, the ministry called on all sides to exercise “maximum restraint” to prevent further escalation.

Officials confirmed that no Cambodian nationals had been reported injured, but urged citizens living in the region to remain vigilant and take precautions to ensure their safety.