Fiji, March 2 -- The Vice-Chancellor of the Solomon Islands National University, Dr Transform Aqorau, says the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran will have direct consequences for Pacific Island countries and has urged the region to stand firm as an "Ocean of Peace."

In a statement posted on social media, Dr Aqorau said the situation in the Middle East is deteriorating rapidly.

"The escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran is deeply alarming.

Missiles are flying. Civilians are dying. Oil tankers have reportedly been hit. The Strait of Hormuz - one of the world's most critical oil routes - is now closed."

He said declarations of success in war ignore the human cost.

"Some leaders sp...