Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has issued a fervent call for international intervention to halt the spiraling violence in the Middle East, accusing Israel of provocative aggression and warning of the catastrophic consequences of foreign interference, particularly from the United States. Speaking to reporters in Kuching on June 22, 2025, Anwar underscored Malaysia’s commitment to human rights and justice, urging the global community to pressure Israel to cease hostilities for the sake of lasting peace in the region.
Escalating Tensions in the Middle East
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has reached a critical juncture, with recent military actions intensifying an already volatile situation. On June 13, 2025, Israel launched a military assault on Iran, prompting retaliatory strikes from Tehran. The cycle of violence has since escalated, with US President Donald Trump announcing on June 22 that American forces had bombed three Iranian nuclear sites. These developments have fueled fears of a broader regional conflict, drawing in external powers and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where civilians, including women and children, continue to bear the brunt of the violence.
Anwar expressed deep concern over the deepening crisis, particularly the loss of civilian lives in Gaza and the rising tensions due to strikes on Iran. “Now they are attacking Iran, and Iran has chosen to fight back. The intervention by external powers such as the United States will only escalate the conflict further” he told reporters. His remarks highlight Malaysia’s frustration with what it perceives as disproportionate actions and impunity in the region, a stance that aligns with the country’s long-standing advocacy for fairness in international relations. 
Malaysia’s Balanced Stance Amid Retaliation
Commenting on Iran’s military response to Israel’s initial assault, Anwar described it as an expected reaction to provocation. “When you launch attacks and kill people, of course there will be retaliation from Iran. Our position is a fair one” he said. He questioned why Israel is often allowed to act without accountability while Iran faces criticism for defending itself, framing Malaysia’s perspective as one rooted in the defense of sovereignty and human rights. “People say Iran should not respond, but why is Israel allowed to act with such impunity?” he added.
Anwar’s comments reflect Malaysia’s delicate balancing act in navigating the geopolitical complexities of the Middle East. While condemning violence on all sides, he emphasized the need for the international community to address the root causes of the conflict, particularly what he described as Israel’s “provocative and violent behaviour towards other nations.” His call for pressure on Israel to halt its actions underscores a broader push for accountability, a theme that resonates with many nations in the Global South who view the conflict through the lens of historical inequities.
Global Economic Implications of the Conflict
Beyond the immediate humanitarian toll, Anwar warned of the potential economic fallout from the escalating conflict, particularly the risk of disruptions in key global trade routes. He highlighted the possibility of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint for oil shipments—being closed due to heightened hostilities. Such a development could send shockwaves through the global economy, driving up energy prices and disrupting supply chains at a time when many nations, including Malaysia, are still recovering from post-pandemic economic challenges.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, facilitates the passage of approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. Any closure or significant disruption could have severe implications for energy-dependent economies in Southeast Asia, where rising fuel costs could exacerbate inflation and hinder growth. Anwar’s warning serves as a reminder of the interconnected nature of global crises, where regional conflicts can quickly reverberate across continents, affecting nations far removed from the immediate theater of war.
International Reactions and Calls for Diplomacy
Malaysia is not alone in expressing alarm over the deteriorating situation in the Middle East. The Philippines has urged all parties to prioritize diplomacy to prevent further escalation, while India has called for de-escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reportedly reaching out to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the crisis. These responses indicate a growing consensus among nations outside the immediate conflict zone that unchecked violence risks destabilizing not only the Middle East but also the broader international order.
Anwar reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to speaking out on behalf of human rights and justice, regardless of geopolitical pressures. “For me, the most important thing is the sanctity of human life and justice. Stop the violence” he said. His insistence on Malaysia’s role as a vocal advocate for fairness reflects a broader trend among smaller nations seeking to influence global discourse on conflicts where they have no direct involvement but significant moral and economic stakes.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
At the heart of Anwar’s plea is the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, where years of conflict have left infrastructure in ruins and civilians trapped in a cycle of violence. The continued killing of non-combatants, including women and children, has drawn international condemnation, yet tangible progress toward a ceasefire remains elusive. Anwar’s focus on civilian casualties aligns with Malaysia’s historical support for Palestinian rights, a position that has long shaped its foreign policy in the Middle East.
The crisis in Gaza is compounded by the broader regional instability, with strikes on Iran and retaliatory actions creating a dangerous feedback loop of violence. Humanitarian organizations have warned that without immediate intervention, the death toll in Gaza could rise dramatically, further straining already overwhelmed aid systems. Anwar’s call for global action is thus not only a political statement but also a humanitarian appeal, urging the international community to prioritize the protection of vulnerable populations over strategic interests.
Foreign Interference and the Role of the United States
A significant point of contention in Anwar’s remarks was the role of external powers, particularly the United States, in exacerbating the conflict. He criticized American military actions, including the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites, as a move that could further inflame tensions. While acknowledging the complexities of US involvement—often framed as support for its ally Israel—Anwar argued that such interventions complicate efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution.
The US strikes on June 22, following Israel’s initial assault on Iran, have raised questions about the potential for a wider war involving major powers. Analysts suggest that Washington’s actions, while intended to deter Iran, may instead embolden hardliners in Tehran, creating a cycle of escalation that could prove difficult to contain. Anwar’s critique of foreign interference reflects a broader sentiment among many nations that external involvement often prioritizes geopolitical strategy over the human cost of conflict.
Malaysia’s Role in Advocating for Peace
Malaysia, under Anwar’s leadership, has positioned itself as a vocal advocate for peace and justice on the global stage. While lacking the military or economic clout of major powers, the country leverages its moral authority and diplomatic ties to influence discourse on international conflicts. Anwar’s insistence that Malaysia “must not allow a sovereign and independent nation to be silenced” underscores a commitment to ensuring that smaller nations have a voice in addressing global challenges.
This stance is particularly significant in the context of Southeast Asia, a region often focused on internal development and stability rather than distant conflicts. By speaking out on the Middle East crisis, Anwar signals Malaysia’s intent to play a more active role in shaping international norms around conflict resolution and human rights, even as it navigates domestic priorities such as economic growth and political reform.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities for Peace
As the violence in the Middle East shows no signs of abating, the international community faces a daunting task in brokering a sustainable peace. Anwar’s call for decisive action to pressure Israel and curb external interference highlights the urgency of addressing both the immediate triggers of conflict and the underlying grievances that fuel it. Yet, with major powers entrenched in their positions and regional actors locked in a cycle of retaliation, the path to de-escalation remains fraught with challenges.
For Malaysia, the crisis serves as a test of its ability to translate moral advocacy into tangible influence. Anwar’s remarks may resonate with like-minded nations, but whether they can galvanize collective action remains to be seen. As the situation unfolds, questions linger about the potential for a broader coalition of countries to push for a ceasefire and whether such efforts can overcome the entrenched interests driving the conflict. In the meantime, the people of Gaza and the wider region continue to endure the devastating consequences of a war with no clear end in sight.
