Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan warns a US-Iran conflict could close key oil routes, spiking prices and destabilising the global economy, as Malaysia reaffirms neutrality.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has urged the United States and Iran to persist with nuclear negotiations and maintain a diplomatic approach to ease tensions.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said talks in Oman and Geneva show room for understanding through dialogue.
He noted Oman acted as mediator while Malaysia used diplomatic channels to urge both parties to “stand down”.
“If a war were to break out between Iran and the United States, the impact would be immense, not only on Iran and the West Asian region, but also on the world at large, including Malaysia,” he told the Dewan Rakyat.
He was responding to a query on Wisma Putra’s assessment of the likelihood of armed conflict and its implications.
Mohamad said increased US military assets in the Persian Sea reflect Washington’s seriousness regarding Iran’s nuclear programme.
He warned any large-scale conflict could close the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy supplies.
“The closure of these routes would affect the world’s oil and gas supply. A shortage would likely drive commodity prices sharply higher.
“This disruption would have both direct and indirect impacts on global trade and the stability of the world economy, including Malaysia,” he said.
He cautioned the situation risked repeating the economic fallout seen during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Malaysia’s assessment is based on reports from diplomatic representatives, strategic partners and international analyses.
Mohamad stressed Malaysia remains committed to a policy of neutrality and prioritising global peace.
“We will condemn any country that commits aggression, wages war or perpetrates acts of terrorism against humanity, regardless of who they are, because such actions bring harm to humankind,” he said.
