Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warns that military build-up and absolutist rhetoric risk pushing the volatile situation towards open conflict, with severe global repercussions.
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed grave concern over mounting tensions between the United States and Iran.
He warned that the growing concentration of military assets and increasingly absolutist rhetoric risk pushing an already volatile situation towards open conflict.
Anwar said any confrontation would have severe repercussions across an already fragile Middle East.
He cited risks including proxy escalation, threats to maritime security and a severe economic shock extending beyond the region.
“No strategic interest could justify such human and material devastation that such conflict would entail,” he posted on Facebook.
Anwar stressed that the imperative of peace must prevail over all other considerations.
He urged all parties to step back from the brink and recommit to diplomacy with seriousness and urgency.
The prime minister also commended Oman’s constructive efforts to facilitate dialogue.
He urged countries with influence to use every available means to promote de-escalation and exercise utmost restraint.
International media reported that the Iranian government is bracing for a fresh US and Israeli missile assault.
This follows the deployment of key assets from the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to the region.
