Asean Urges Safe Passage in Hormuz as Trump Eyes Blockade

(Bloomberg) -- Southeast Asian nations called for the unhampered passage of vessels in the Strait of Hormuz as US President Donald Trump threatened to blockade the waterway after peace talks with Iran collapsed.

“We call for the restoration of the safe, unimpeded, and continuous transit passage of vessels and aircraft in the Strait of Hormuz,” foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations said in a statement on Monday. They also urged all parties to ensure the safety of seafarers and ships.

The US military said it would implement a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports at 10 a.m. on Monday Washington time, adding that it would allow other vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz if they’re not stopping in the Islamic Republic.

“We urge the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran to continue negotiations that will lead to the permanent end of the conflict and lasting peace and stability in the region,” Asean said.

The ministers also called for the “full and effective” implementation of the ceasefire to prevent further loss of lives in the conflict that began in late February.

The top diplomats from the bloc, many of whose members source oil from the Middle East, met virtually on Monday to discuss the war in the Middle East.

Officials agreed to boost cooperation to respond to challenges affecting Asean, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said in a briefing.

“This meeting also discussed prioritizing energy supply to fellow Asean member states in times of crisis,” Lazaro said.

(Updates with comments from Philippine foreign affairs chief.)

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