Anwar Ibrahim backs Pakistan’s mediation push, urges urgent diplomacy

ISLAMABAD, Mar 25 (APP): Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday strongly endorsed Pakistan’s offer to mediate between the United States and Iran, calling it a “timely and constructive” initiative, and urged all sides to seize what he described as a narrowing window for diplomacy.

In his statement posted on X, Anwar praised Pakistan’s leadership, particularly Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with other international actors, for stepping forward “at a moment of acute regional danger.” He also acknowledged earlier facilitation efforts by Oman and other partners.

Highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic reach and standing in the Muslim world, Anwar said Islamabad is well positioned to help create conditions for meaningful negotiations between Washington and Tehran. “Malaysia supports this initiative and encourages in particular the United States and Iran to respond in the spirit in which it was offered,” he wrote, stressing that “there remains some space for diplomacy” that must be treated with urgency and seriousness.

The Malaysian premier emphasized that any talks must pursue a genuine and lasting resolution rather than short-term pauses, warning against ceasefires that serve only tactical purposes. Reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to international law, he noted Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty while urging restraint from all sides, particularly amid continued Israeli strikes in Iran and Lebanon. He cautioned that further escalation risks drawing in Gulf states and destabilizing the wider region.

Anwar also underscored that the credibility of the rules-based international order depends on consistency and equal accountability. He revealed ongoing engagements with leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council, Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan and others to push for de-escalation and peaceful resolution.

“Malaysia will continue to support every credible effort towards a just and lasting peace,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, in a related development, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, where both sides reviewed regional and international developments and reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue, de-escalation and continued diplomatic coordination.