ASEAN Calls for Permanent US-Iran Peace and Hormuz Access

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations issued a joint statement on April 13, 2026, welcoming a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran that took effect on April 8. During a virtual meeting, foreign ministers urged both nations to maintain the truce and pursue earnest negotiations to achieve a permanent peace settlement.

The bloc specifically demanded the restoration of safe, unimpeded transit for vessels and aircraft through the Strait of Hormuz. This appeal follows reports that shipping through the waterway halted after President Donald Trump announced a blockade of Iranian ports. ASEAN warned that continued maritime instability could increase shipping costs, fuel volatility, and trigger global inflationary pressures.

While praising the mediation efforts led by Pakistan, the ministers also addressed domestic vulnerabilities. The organization discussed strategies to secure fertilizer and critical agricultural inputs and explored establishing a rapid crisis communications protocol. As the current ASEAN chair, the Philippines confirmed it will proceed with a leaders' summit in May to focus on food security, energy security, and the safety of its nationals.