# Southeast Asian Leaders Approve Emergency Strategy to Reduce Impact of Middle East Conflict

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/asean/306638-southeast-asian-leaders-approve-emergency-strategy-to-reduce-impact-of-middle-east-conflict
- Published: 2026-05-14T07:20:00+07:00
- Author: Jessica Lee

ASEAN leaders met in Cebu, Philippines, adopting a contingency plan addressing the
Iran war’s impact, including emergency fuel sharing, a regional power grid, and 
evacuating citizens from the Middle East, while acknowledging implementation challenges
amid ongoing economic hardships.

## Key Points

 * ASEAN leaders met in Cebu, Philippines, adopting a contingency plan to address
   the economic impact of the Iran war, including emergency fuel sharing agreements,
   a regional power grid, fuel stockpiles, and diversifying crude oil sources.
 * Over one million Southeast Asian citizens working in the Middle East face safety
   risks, prompting leaders to coordinate evacuations and strengthen information
   sharing to protect nationals in conflict-affected areas.
 * Philippine President Marcos warned that damage from the Iran war could last years,
   while Thailand’s foreign minister stressed the ceasefire must be extended and
   safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz must be guaranteed.

### ASEAN’s Contingency Response to the Iran War Crisis

Southeast Asian leaders convened at the ASEAN summit in Cebu, Philippines, adopting
a **comprehensive contingency plan** to address the economic and humanitarian fallout
from the ongoing Iran war. Hosted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who stripped
the event of its traditional formalities, the summit focused on urgent regional 
priorities. The plan includes **emergency fuel-sharing agreements**, development
of a regional power grid, diversification of crude oil sources, promotion of electric
vehicles, and exploration of civilian nuclear energy — measures aimed at shielding
member nations from **severe energy supply disruptions**.

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### Implementation Challenges and Long-Term Economic Damage

While the contingency steps are intended for **immediate implementation**, leaders
acknowledged that establishing a regional fuel stockpile and power grid remains 
highly complex and time-consuming. Marcos openly questioned logistical details, 
such as whether a fuel reserve would be centralized or distributed across member
states. Beyond energy concerns, he warned that **economic recovery could take years**,
even if hostilities ceased immediately. “The damage to critical infrastructure, 
vital systems, and trust in general will continue to be felt for years to come,”
Marcos cautioned, underscoring the **deep and lasting vulnerabilities** exposed 
by the conflict.

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### Humanitarian Concerns and Regional Security Outlook

A major dilemma facing ASEAN leaders involved **safeguarding over one million citizens**
living and working in the Middle East, amid fears of escalating hostilities near
the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. A joint declaration called for **strengthened
coordination** with international organizations to protect nationals in affected
areas. Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow was notably direct, stating
the war “should not have occurred” and urging an extended ceasefire. Leaders also
addressed other regional flashpoints, including **South China Sea disputes, Myanmar’s
civil war**, and the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict, reflecting a broader climate
of geopolitical uncertainty.