Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit Addresses Iran War

Leaders of the ASEAN (ASEAN) convened a summit in Cebu, Philippines, to address the economic fallout from the war in Iran and the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Philippine President Bongbong Marcos, chair of ASEAN, emphasized the urgent need for coordinated action to ensure energy and food security in the oil-import-reliant region. The ASEAN economic ministers identified concrete response measures, including diversifying suppliers and routes, but lacked specific details. Philippines has advocated for an ASEAN oil-sharing framework agreement. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto stressed the need for long-term resilience against disruptions, including preventing trade route issues in the South China Sea and Malacca Strait. ASEAN leaders are expected to call for a negotiated settlement between the United States and Iran and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as urging members to ratify a fuel-sharing pact. The summit also saw progress on other regional issues, including an agreement between Thailand and Cambodia to restart engagement and a planned virtual meeting with Myanmar to normalize ties.