PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed “earnest optimism” to a possible positive ending to the United States-Iran crisis and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Anwar said he had received “encouraging indications from the leaders in West Asia” that talks were proceeding on a progressive trajectory.
He said Malaysia is prepared to offer any support to ensure peace in West Asia, the Middle Eastern region where Iran is located.
“I have received encouraging indications from leaders in West Asia that negotiations towards a framework agreement between the United States and Iran, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, are proceeding on a progressive trajectory. I view these developments with earnest optimism.
“Malaysia notes the constructive roles played by Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and the United Arab Emirates in facilitating this process.
“We also welcome US President Donald Trump’s personal engagement in pursuing a negotiated outcome. We hope all parties will seize this opportunity and carry the negotiations through to a successful conclusion.
“We urge all parties to come to an inclusive framework agreement that consolidates the current ceasefire, ensures safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and addresses the legitimate security interests of all nations in the region.
“Malaysia stands ready to support any multilateral effort that contributes to lasting peace and stability in West Asia,” Anwar said in a Facebook post yesterday.
West Asia consists of 18 to 20 countries including Iran, overlapping with the Middle East and spanning from the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf.
Trump said earlier last week that the negotiations with Iran were “in the final stages”.
However, he also warned of possible further attacks as the fragile ceasefire concluded its sixth week with no sign of an end to the conflict.
The United States launched “Operation Epic Fury” three months ago which began with strikes inside Iran alongside Israel, which has since spread across the wider Middle East region and disrupting global supply chains.
