MANILA, Mar 6: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday said the ongoing tensions in the Middle East could last between four and eight weeks, based on reports from Philippine diplomatic posts in the region.

During a Senate committee on foreign relations hearing, DFA Assistant Secretary Germina Aguilar-Usudan said the projection was based on updates received from overseas missions.

Responding to a question from Senator Francis Pangilinan on how long the conflict between the United States and Israel could last, Aguilar-Usudan said the situation may extend longer than previous confrontations in the region.

“Based on the reports from the various posts, the projection we received is that it could take four weeks to eight weeks,” she said, adding that the current conflict could become a prolonged war.

She noted that the situation differs from the previous Israel–Iran War, which lasted about 12 days. According to the reports cited during the hearing, Iran had shown interest in negotiations, but those efforts were reportedly rejected, while U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled a tougher stance.

Aguilar-Usudan warned that the conflict could turn into a “protracted war,” adding that the Philippine government is implementing special assistance measures for overseas Filipino workers affected by the crisis.

Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary Jeffrey Hechanova of the Department of National Defense said it is difficult to provide a definite timeline due to the rapidly changing situation on the ground.

“The situation is very fluid, with action and counter-action between countries, so it is difficult to give a legitimate timeline,” he said.

Despite the rising tensions, Philippine military and security officials said the conflict does not pose a direct threat to the country’s security.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also called on all parties involved to exercise restraint and expressed hope for a swift ceasefire to end the hostilities.