Manila, July 21 -- The foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) conveyed "serious concern" over the resumption of hostilities between Iran and the United States in the Middle East.

In a joint statement, Southeast Asia's top diplomats present at the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting plenary session in Pasay City on Tuesday called on both Iran and the US to exercise utmost self-restraint and avoid any acts that may further aggravate the situation.

"There is, of course, serious concern on the developments in the Middle East. In fact, if you notice, this is the only document that involves geopolitics in our discussions," Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said in a post-meeting huddle with the p...