BANGKOK, THAILAND – ASEAN called on the United States, Israel and Iran to move quickly into negotiations to secure a long-term peace in the Middle East amid fears of a possible blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and a lasting energy crisis.
ASEAN special meeting on the Middle East
On 13 April 2026, Sihasak Phuangketkaeo, Thailand’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, said after a special meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers on the Middle East that the region was following developments with deep concern.
The central question was how a further escalation in the Middle East could affect ASEAN, particularly in terms of energy and supply security.
Concern over stalled talks between US and Iran
Sihasak referred to talks in Islamabad between representatives of the United States and Iran, where, according to his account, no agreement might have been reached.
He stressed that the situation in the Middle East was complex and that negotiations often required several rounds, so all sides should continue their diplomatic efforts.
Warning over possible blockade of the Strait of Hormuz
ASEAN was particularly worried about reports that the United States might be considering a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Such a move would further increase tensions and could lead to an expansion of the conflict, which ASEAN and the wider international community wanted to avoid.
Call to US, Iran and Israel: de-escalation and a mechanism for peace
ASEAN urged the United States, Iran and Israel to choose the path of negotiations in order to reduce tensions and violence.
The goal, it said, had to be a mechanism that would lead to a long-term agreement and ultimately to peace.
Energy security: saving measures and pressure on oil and gas prices
According to Sihasak, ASEAN was already affected in terms of energy security, which was why all member states were introducing energy-saving measures.
The impact would not only concern oil and gas prices, but could also influence living costs and food prices.
ASEAN energy ministers asked to consider rapid measures
The ASEAN foreign ministers asked the group’s energy ministers to meet at short notice to consider joint steps to strengthen energy security.
Among the issues to be discussed was how energy-producing countries could give priority support to states without their own oil or gas resources during shortages or crises.
Renewables: sharing knowledge and mobilising finance
Another focus, according to Sihasak, was cooperation on expanding renewable and clean energy, including knowledge-sharing within the region.
It should also be examined how funds from ASEAN, the private sector or international financial institutions could be mobilised to support relevant projects in the member states.
Food security: ASEAN as a producer and export region
On food security, ASEAN saw advantages because the region produced food and exported it worldwide.
For the future, cooperation was raised under which certain quantities could be held in reserve so that countries with sufficient production could help others in times of shortage.
Crisis response: Vietnam tables discussion paper on ASEAN structure
Another issue was ASEAN’s ability to react more quickly to international or internal events that were regarded as a shared crisis.
Vietnam had prepared a document for discussion aimed at greater capacity to act and faster decision-making processes in crises.
Principle reaffirmed: freedom of navigation and secure straits
The meeting also reaffirmed the principle that all parties – in particular Iran and the United States – must respect international rules.
It highlighted the freedom of navigation, stressing that the security of sea straits was of particular importance.