ASEAN foreign ministers discuss crisis in Middle East and South China Sea

Escalation in the Middle East

The conflict between Iran and the United States reached its tenth day this Tuesday with no signs of de-escalation. While clashes continue in Iranian territory and in the Persian Gulf, diplomats are intensifying efforts to save the provisional agreement that sought to reduce tensions.

The Iranian Minister of the Interior, Eskandar Momeni, began a visit to Pakistan, a country that acts as a mediator. In Islamabad he met with the head of the Pakistani Army, Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The latter expressed concern about the military escalation and urged all parties to act with restraint, seeking to resume negotiations.

The United States reported attacking command centers, air defense, and missile and drone launch sites in Iran. In response, Tehran intensified operations in the Strait of Hormuz, where a tanker was attacked and its crew had to evacuate the ship.

The tension spread to the Red Sea. Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia and warned shipping companies about transiting Bab el-Mandeb. The interruption of these routes raised international concern about oil supply, driving the price of crude oil above $90 per barrel.

Despite diplomatic efforts, a climate of mistrust persists. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that his government keeps the possibility of negotiating open, but warned that any agreement must offer real guarantees. The continuity of bombings and attacks on energy infrastructure keep the international community on alert regarding the risk of an expansion of the conflict in the Middle East.

Meeting in the Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting in the Kremlin with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui. The meeting reaffirmed the growing alliance between both nations.

Putin expressed his gratitude to the North Korean government for its support of Russian military operations in Ukraine. The visit was carried out at the invitation of the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov.

Although not confirmed, speculation is circulating about a possible visit by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to Russia. The meeting reflects the strategic closeness between Moscow and Pyongyang in a complex international context.

The alliance between both countries has strengthened amid global tensions. This approach could have repercussions on regional geopolitics.

Explosion in Teesta tunnel in Sikkim

At least 12 people died and 13 remain missing after the collapse of a tunnel under construction of the Teesta hydroelectric project, located in the state of Sikkim, northeast of India. The accident occurred on Monday in the village of Samardung, near the border with China.

The authorities attributed the incident to an explosion caused by the accumulation of methane gas inside the work. State chief minister Prem Singh Tamang said 27 workers were initially trapped. Two people managed to escape alive, but several rescuers and officials who entered later were also trapped.

Rescue work in extreme conditions

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) continue the search amid toxic gases such as methane, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. So far 12 bodies have been recovered, while efforts continue to locate the missing. Conditions in the tunnel are extremely dangerous, making it difficult for rescuers to advance.