Malaysian PM urges de-escalation of West Asia tensions with peace track

JAKARTA - Malaysian Prime Minister (PM) Anwar Ibrahim has asked all disputes in the Middle East to be resolved through peaceful means amid the ongoing regional tensions.

Malay Mail, Wednesday, March 25 reported that Anwar conveyed this attitude after speaking by phone with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, Prince Salman Hamad Al Khalifa, as well as the President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

According to Anwar, dialogue, diplomacy, and close cooperation between countries remain the main way to reduce tensions and restore regional stability. He also expressed concern over the prolonged conflict, including its impact on regional security and the safety of citizens.

"I express deep concern over the prolonged tensions and their impact on regional security and the well-being of the people, as well as express condolences for the loss of life and damage to property as a result of the retaliatory attacks," Anwar said, as quoted by Malay Mail.

In addition to discussing the security situation, Anwar said that he and the two leaders also exchanged Eid greetings and conveyed hopes for peace and prosperity in their respective countries.

Tensions in the Middle East have continued to escalate since the United States and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran on February 28. Tehran then retaliated with drone and missile attacks on Israel, Jordan, Iraq, as well as a number of Gulf countries that are home to US military assets. The attack caused casualties, infrastructure damage, and disrupted global markets and the aviation sector.