Metro Manila, Philippines – Iran urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to condemn what it described as US violations of international law, warning that Washington is replacing the rules-based international order with one driven by force.
In an exclusive interview with NewsWatch Plus, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said ASEAN has long supported international law and diplomacy but should take a stronger position against the United States over its actions in the Middle East.
“What we are seeing right now is a force-based international order,” Khatibzadeh said, contrasting it with the law-based and rules-based order promoted by ASEAN.
He accused the US of disregarding the United Nations Charter and said countries should no longer remain silent about Washington’s conduct.
“This is not the time to pretend that nothing happens. This is the moment of truth in international politics,” he said.
Khatibzadeh said ASEAN should call on the party that he accused of abandoning diplomacy to return to negotiations and comply with international law.
“The party that is betraying diplomacy should be called upon to get back to diplomacy and to get back to international law,” he said.
PH ‘bigger role’ as ASEAN chairman
The Iranian official also said the Philippines, as ASEAN chairman, could play an important role in pressing for compliance with international legal principles.
“Everybody has its own responsibility, including ASEAN, and among ASEAN, of course, Philippines, as a chair of ASEAN right now, can play a very important role,” Khatibzadeh said.
He said Iran would welcome a larger Philippine role, citing Manila’s support for international law and an independent foreign policy.
Khatibzadeh’s remarks followed ASEAN calls for de-escalation in the Middle East and the restoration of secure energy flows amid disruptions affecting the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has blamed the United States for the conflict and restrictions on shipping through the strategic waterway. Washington, however, has accused Tehran of endangering maritime security and disrupting international commerce.
Khatibzadeh maintained that Iran favors a durable diplomatic settlement but would continue defending its national sovereignty while what he described as US attacks continue.
