Iran Must Ensure Attacks on Israel Do Not Harm Neighbouring Nations, Says PM Anwar

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has urged Iran to ensure that any retaliatory strikes against Israel do not spill over into neighboring countries amid growing fears that the Middle East conflict could widen into a broader regional war.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia conveyed its concerns directly to Iranian leaders during recent communications with Iran’s foreign minister. He emphasized that any military response should be carefully targeted to avoid harming nearby nations.

“I proposed that Iran take the necessary precautions so that its attacks do not strike neighboring countries and instead focus only on Israel,” Anwar said during a special press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya on Wednesday.

According to Anwar, both the Iranian president and the foreign minister gave assurances that Iran would attempt to avoid hitting neighboring countries while carrying out its response.

The Malaysian leader also extended his deepest condolences to Iran following the death of its Supreme Leader, Ali Hosseini Khamenei.

Anwar said he had also contacted Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as well as several leaders from Gulf nations and Turkey to discuss the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

“We have expressed our concerns because the tension between Iran and several neighboring countries is increasing,” he added.

The issue was also discussed during Malaysia’s Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, where ministers reviewed the rapidly evolving situation in the region.

Anwar warned that the conflict has already expanded beyond its initial scope. He noted that attacks involving Israel and the United States have affected several countries across the region, including Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey.

“It has become a larger war and is no longer confined to a few nations,” he said.

Meanwhile, the escalating conflict has also affected global energy markets. As of March 11, Brent crude oil prices dropped to about US$91 per barrel after surging past US$100 earlier in the week.

The price decline followed remarks by US President Donald Trump, who stated that the United States–Israel war with Iran was “very complete.”

The ongoing conflict has also forced the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route connecting the Persian Gulf to global shipping lanes. Nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the strait, making any disruption a major concern for global energy markets.

Analysts warn that if tensions continue to escalate, the conflict could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and the global economy.