KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has called on Israel’s partners, especially those with influence and leverage, to apply maximum pressure to halt further aggression in the wake of Israeli military strikes on Iran.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in a Facebook post yesterday, strongly condemned the attacks which began overnight, describing them as grave and reckless acts that risk destabilising the fragile region further.
“(The strikes’) clear aim is to sabotage the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran. It also comes amid renewed scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza and mounting political pressure on (Israeli Prime Minister) Benjamin Netanyahu.
“The international community must not enable actions that sabotage diplomacy and endanger global peace,” said Anwar, Bernama reported.
According to media reports, the Israeli regime has carried out strikes in and near the Iranian capital Teheran, as well as other cities in the country, targeting military installations and nuclear facilities.
Iranian official media reported that the strikes killed civilians as well as senior Iranian leaders, including the country’s powerful Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami.
Also killed were Armed Forces chief of staff Mohammad Bagheri, and at least six Iranian nuclear scientists.
International wires also reported that unconfirmed images and footage began to appear on social media showing plumes of smoke rising from several locations along Teheran’s skyline.
During remarks to reporters later, Anwar said Malaysia will send a representative to attend a United Nations conference that aims to discuss a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
“Any country has the right to attend and express their views, particularly regarding justice for Palestine and Gaza,” Anwar told reporters when met after Friday prayers in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
“I support the initiative by the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia (who is also the Prime Minister), Mohammed bin Salman, and French President Emmanuel Macron,” he said, referring to the meet in New York next week.
France and Saudi Arabia are reported to be the main organisers of the conference, with Paris said to be considering the unilateral recognition of Palestine as a state.
The Prime Minister was asked to respond to comments by US President Donald Trump, who warned governments not to attend the conference.
Trump had reportedly said that any country adopting a stance against Israel would be considered contrary to US foreign policy and could face diplomatic repercussions.
