Iran war: Will Southeast Asia opt for pragmatism?

"Malaysia's Foreign Ministry issued a more measured statement that condemned US-Israeli attacks as well as Iran's retaliatory strikes, calling for "all parties [to] exercise maximum restraint." Foreign ministers of Vietnam and Cambodia urged all sides to "exercise maximum restraint," while Thailand said it is "closely monitoring the situation with grave concern.""

"A joint Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers' statement on March 4 called the escalation "regrettable" and a "grave threat to the lives and safety of civilians, as well as to regional and global peace and stability.""

""What is not said, of course, is concern for how the Trump administration is wielding the immense power that the United States possesses, namely, with little regard for international law," he told DW. The legal question is sensitive for a region which places utmost importance on international law, especially for the countries with territorial disputes with China."

Following the Iran-US conflict, Southeast Asian countries have focused on urging de-escalation and protecting their citizens and migrant workers in the Middle East. Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand called for maximum restraint from all parties, while Singapore expressed regret over failed negotiations. ASEAN issued a joint statement on March 4 characterizing the escalation as regrettable and a grave threat to civilian safety and global stability. The Philippines reported approximately 1,600 citizens in Iran and over 2.2 million across the Middle East. Analysts note Southeast Asia's measured responses reflect concern about US power wielding with limited regard for international law, a sensitive issue for a region emphasizing international law, particularly regarding territorial disputes.

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