KUALA LUMPUR, Wednesday, March 25, 2026 (WNP): Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday welcomed Pakistan’s offer to host dialogue between the United States and Iran, describing it as a timely and constructive initiative amid escalating regional tensions.
In a statement, Anwar Ibrahim commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for stepping forward at a critical moment, alongside the leadership of other friendly nations, including earlier mediation efforts led by Oman.
He said Pakistan’s strong relations with all relevant parties, as well as its credibility in the Muslim world, positioned it well to facilitate meaningful negotiations between United States and Iran.
“Malaysia supports this initiative and encourages both sides to respond in the spirit in which it was offered,” he said, expressing cautious optimism that space for diplomacy still exists despite the ongoing conflict.
The Malaysian premier emphasized that any negotiations must be based on genuine intent to end the conflict, warning against temporary ceasefires that merely pause hostilities rather than resolve them. “The region deserves a durable and lasting peace,” he added.
Reaffirming Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty under international law, Anwar also called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could further destabilize the region, particularly impacting Gulf states.
He stressed that civilian populations and critical infrastructure in neighboring countries must not be drawn into a conflict they did not choose, noting the far-reaching economic and social consequences of continued escalation.
Highlighting concerns over the application of international law, Anwar said its credibility depended on consistency and fairness.
“International law cannot be invoked selectively to shield one party while denying another its right to self-defense,” he remarked.
The Malaysian leader further revealed that he had recently held consultations with leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council, Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, and Pakistan to assess the situation and advocate for de-escalation.
He reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to supporting all credible diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace in the region.
