Southeast Asian diplomats are gathering this week with the backdrop of escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran. This adds another layer of complexity to a region already facing considerable challenges. Existing concerns include ongoing maritime disputes with China and stalled efforts to resolve the ongoing civil war in Myanmar. The US-Iran conflict introduces further uncertainty into the regional security landscape. Diplomats will likely address these issues, but the external pressure from the US-Iran situation could significantly impact discussions. The meeting’s success in addressing regional issues may be hampered by this broader geopolitical unease. It underscores the interconnectedness of global events and their impact on regional stability.