PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA March 25, 2026 – Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has welcomed Pakistan’s proposal to host direct dialogue between the United States and Iran, describing it as a timely and constructive move amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.
In a video statement posted on his official X account today, Anwar commended Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and leaders of other friendly nations for their diplomatic initiative at a time of “acute regional danger”. He noted that Pakistan’s strong ties with the parties involved and its respected voice in the Muslim world position it well to facilitate meaningful negotiations.
“Malaysia supports this initiative and encourages in particular the United States and Iran to respond in the spirit in which it was offered,” Anwar said. He expressed cautious optimism that limited diplomatic space still exists and urged all sides to treat it with the seriousness it deserves.
The Prime Minister stressed that any talks must be rooted in genuine intent to end the conflict permanently, rather than serve as tactical pauses. “The international community has seen too many ceasefires that function as pauses rather than conclusions. The region deserves something more durable,” he added.
Anwar reaffirmed Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty under international law, especially in light of continued Israeli strikes on Iran and Lebanon. At the same time, he called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to shield civilian populations and the infrastructure of neighbouring Gulf states from being drawn into a conflict they did not initiate.
“The Gulf states, the region and the world have much at stake — economically, socially and in terms of long-term stability — and their peoples must not bear the consequences of decisions taken elsewhere,” he emphasised.
Anwar also voiced concern over the selective application of international law. “Some of the strongest advocates of the rules-based international order appear to apply it unevenly. International law cannot be invoked selectively,” he said.
He disclosed that he has held recent discussions with leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council, Türkiye, 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,” Anwar concluded.
Pakistan’s offer to host the talks was announced yesterday by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who stated that Islamabad is ready to facilitate meaningful and conclusive discussions if both Washington and Tehran agree.
The development comes against the backdrop of the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict that escalated in late February 2026, with recent reports of strikes and heightened regional risks. Iran has denied any direct or indirect negotiations with the US so far, though friendly countries continue backchannel consultations.
Anwar’s statement underscores Malaysia’s longstanding position as a proponent of diplomacy, restraint and consistent adherence to international law in the pursuit of Middle East stability.
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