Examining Malaysia's Stance on the Iran War
All efforts are being made by Anwar while ensuring the safety of his citizens in the affected countries and considering economic strategies amid the potential crisis that may occur.
Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s neighbouring country, Malaysia, is vigorously conducting peace diplomacy to promote peace in the Middle East region.
The peace diplomacy efforts displayed by Malaysia, by conveying its stance and engaging in leader-level dialogues, provide the public with an insight into how the neighbouring nation positions itself as a country that prioritises peace amid the Iran war.
Since Israel’s attack, supported by the United States, on Iran on 28 February, which heightened escalation in the Middle East, Malaysia has issued official statements and conducted several leader-level dialogues.
Based on ANTARA’s records and investigations in Kuala Lumpur, since the attack, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim immediately issued an official statement.
He described Israel’s attack—backed by the United States—on Iran as bringing the Middle East to the brink of disaster.
Anwar Ibrahim views the attack as a despicable attempt to thwart the ongoing nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States.
Anwar then urged Israel and the US to halt the attacks—making Malaysia one of the first ASEAN countries to speak out on the incident.
The attack, which subsequently killed Iran’s highest leader Khamenei, is said to have been supported by intelligence operations.
Anwar strongly condemned the murder of Ali Khamenei and expressed condolences to the people of Iran. He stated that Israel and the US should be aware of the consequences of their actions.
For Anwar, targeting a national leader creates a dangerous precedent and undermines the norms and principles that underpin the international order.
Moreover, the attack on a sovereign state, according to him, violates international law and the United Nations Charter.
Subsequently, as escalation in the Middle East intensified, with Iran’s counterattacks on pockets of US military bases scattered across West Asian countries, Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry moved to protect Malaysian citizens in the affected countries.
Repatriation efforts were undertaken amid the disruption of international flights at that time, similar to actions taken by other countries including Indonesia.
Leader-level dialogues