Philippine president urges peace amid Middle East conflict

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged for peace amidst the escalating Middle East conflict following preemptive attacks by Israel and the United States against Iran on February 28, 2026, and subsequent retaliatory attacks by Iran. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, peaceful dispute resolution, and the restoration of safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing regional coordination for energy security and supply stabilization. Activists also protested, urging ASEAN leaders to move away from fossil fuels.