KUALA LUMPUR (Kashmir English): Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday welcomed Pakistan’s “timely and constructive offer” to host dialogue between the United States and Iran.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan is ready to host conclusive talks between the United States (US) and Iran to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
In a statement issued on his official X account, the premier emphasized that Pakistan welcomes and fully supports ongoing efforts to pursue dialogue to end the war in the Middle East, in the interest of peace and stability in the region and beyond.
“Subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honoured to be the host to facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict,” he wrote on X.
The Malaysian premier praised “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the leaders of other friendly nations” for stepping forward at a moment of acute regional danger, following the earlier commendable efforts of the leadership of Oman and other friendly countries.
“Malaysia supports this initiative and encourages, in particular, the United States and Iran to respond in the spirit in which it was offered,” he said in a video statement posted on X.
“I note with cautious hope the signals, however incomplete, that suggest some space for diplomacy may still exist. That space should be treated with the seriousness it deserves.”
Ibrahim further stated that any negotiation must proceed based on genuine intent: a clear commitment to ending the conflict, not managing its tempo for tactical advantage.
I welcome Pakistan’s timely and constructive offer to host dialogue between the United States and Iran. I commend Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the leaders of other friendly nations for stepping forward at a moment of acute regional danger, following the earlier commendable… pic.twitter.com/ObtNuey9OS
— Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) March 25, 2026
The international community has seen too many ceasefires that function as pauses rather than conclusions, he said.
Malaysia reaffirms Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty
He said that Malaysia reaffirms Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty, as recognised under international law, particularly in the face of continued Israeli strikes in the country and in Lebanon.
At the same time, according to the statement, he calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to ensure that civilian populations and the infrastructure of neighbouring states, namely the Gulf states, are not drawn further into a conflict they did not choose.
“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.”
Malaysian Prime Minister noted that it is also a matter of concern that some of the strongest advocates of the rules-based international order appear to apply it unevenly.
“International law cannot be invoked selectively. It cannot shield one party from accountability while denying another its inherent right to self-defence.” Its credibility depends on consistency, he added.
Moreover, he confirmed that he held discussions with leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, and other partners to understand the situation better and to advocate for de-escalation.
“Malaysia will continue to support every credible effort towards a just and lasting peace,” he concluded.
