KOTA TINGGI: The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran should not be taken lightly as it could lead to a world war if not resolved properly, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
The Defence Minister stated that although Malaysia is not involved in the conflict, the government will continue to monitor the situation.
“Conflicts like this, if not resolved properly, could lead to a world war.
“When this happens, people all over the world are affected as oil prices will spike and supplies will be cut off. Malaysia, as a trading nation, will also be affected,” he told reporters after attending a community ginger harvesting programme at Kampung Gembut, Sedili on Saturday (June 21).
Mohamed Khaled added that flights are not allowed to enter or leave Iran at the moment, so Malaysians in the country will be brought out by land to Turkmenistan.
“They will then be flown back to Malaysia via commercial flights,” he said, noting that only a small number of citizens are involved and the repatriation efforts are being carried out by the Foreign Ministry.
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On June 13, Israel launched a series of strikes on Iranian territory, reportedly killing several high-ranking military officials and scientists.
In retaliation, Iran fired ballistic missiles at several locations in Israel, resulting in multiple casualties and injuries.
Wisma Putra confirmed that no Malaysians in Iran have been reported affected by the attacks.
On Thursday (June 19), government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said Malaysian students, tourists, and embassy personnel will be assisted to leave Iran by Friday (June 20).
In case of emergency, Malaysians in Iran may contact the Embassy of Malaysia in Tehran at the address: No.25, 2nd Alley, North Zarafshan St., Shahrak-e-Gharb; phone numbers: +98 21 8807 2444, +98 21 8807 8606, +98 933 535 2602 or e-mail: mwtehran@kln.gov.my / mwconsular.teh@gmail.com.
