Manila, March 3 -- The Philippines and South Korea on Tuesday expressed hope for the early restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East amid the escalating tensions involving the United States (US), Israel and Iran.

Speaking after a bilateral meeting at Malacaan Palace in Manila, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said he and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. are optimistic about the immediate end of hostilities among the concerned parties.

"In today's meeting, President Marcos and I discussed not only the regional but also the international situation, including the Middle East. We hope that peace and stability in the Middle East may be restored at an early date," Lee said.

The US and Israel on Feb. 28 launched coordinated a...