ASEAN Security Talks in Manila: Southeast Asia’s foreign ministers opened meetings with renewed focus on the Middle East and energy chokepoints, calling for an immediate halt to fighting and safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as US-Iran tensions ripple through the region. US Diplomacy in Southeast Asia: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in the Philippines for ASEAN and East Asia Summit talks, signaling openness to meetings with China and Russia while Washington also condemned Beijing over injuries to a Filipino sailor at Second Thomas Shoal. ASEAN-India and Quad Coordination: India’s S. Jaishankar is set to join ASEAN-India, the East Asia Summit and the ARF in Manila, with Quad foreign ministers’ talks on the sidelines. Regional Crime Crackdown: BIMSTEC finalized an action plan to curb illicit financial flows, including a 2026-2028 work plan and steps to operationalise an AML/CFT contact network. Pacific Pressure from War: A new analysis warns the US-Iran conflict is driving up fuel and costs across Pacific islands, straining essential services. Aviation and Trade Links: Kazakhstan’s SCAT Airlines contracted Boeing to convert a 767-300ER into a 767-300BCF freighter, aiming to grow cargo routes between Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Human Rights in Nepal: Nepal’s slum demolitions have triggered outrage, with thousands displaced amid claims of inadequate notice and housing support.