PETALING JAYA: Any negotiation regarding the Iran war must proceed on the basis of genuine intent and a clear commitment to ending the conflict, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In welcoming Pakistan’s offer to host dialogue between the United States, Israel and Iran, the Prime Minister said negotiations must have a clear commitment to ending the conflict, and not managing its tempo for tactical advantage.
“The international community has seen too many ceasefires that function as pauses rather than conclusions. The region deserves something more durable,” he said in a video on Wednesday (March 25).
Earlier Wednesday, it was reported that Pakistan delivered a proposal from the United States to Iran, and either Pakistan or Turkey could be venues for discussions to de-escalate the war in the Gulf, according to a senior Iranian official on condition of anonymity.
It was also reported that these were among the few signs that Tehran was willing to consider diplomatic proposals, despite having denied in public that it would negotiate with the administration of US President Donald Trump.
In the video, Anwar also called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to ensure that all civilian populations and the infrastructure of neighbouring states, namely the Gulf states, are not drawn further into a conflict they did not choose.
“The Gulf states, the region and world have much at stake economically, socially and in terms of long-term stability.
“Their people must not bear the consequences of decisions taken elsewhere,” he said.
Malaysia, Anwar said, also reaffirms Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty as recognised under international law, particularly in the face of continued Israeli strikes in the country and in Lebanon.
The Prime Minister also expressed concern that certain strong advocates of the rules-based international order seemingly apply it unevenly.
“International law cannot be invoked selectively. It cannot shield one party from accountability while denying another its inherent right to self-defence. Credibility depends on consistency,” he said.
Anwar added that he has also held discussions with leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Turkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan and other partners to better understand the situation and advocate for de-escalation.
“Malaysia will continue to support every credible effort towards a just and lasting peace,” he said.
