Malaysian PM warns against ‘selective’ use of international law in Iran war

In a statement on the crisis, Anwar said “international law cannot be invoked selectively,” adding that it “cannot shield one party from accountability while denying another its inherent right to self-defence."

The credibility of the rules-based order, he stressed, “depends on consistency.”

His remarks come as tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States continue to reverberate across the Middle East, raising concerns among Asian governments over potential spillover effects on trade, energy security and regional stability.

Anwar reaffirmed Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty under international law, particularly in the context of continued Israeli strikes on Iranian territory and in Lebanon. At the same time, he called on all parties to exercise “maximum restraint” to avoid widening the conflict.

Moreover, the Malaysian premier warned of the risk that neighbouring Gulf states could be drawn further into the crisis, stressing that civilian populations and critical infrastructure in the region must be protected.

“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,” he said.

Heaps praise for Pakistan’s mediation efforts

Alongside his criticism, Anwar signalled support for renewed diplomatic efforts. He welcomed Pakistan’s offer to host dialogue between Washington and Tehran, describing it as a “timely and constructive” initiative, and praised similar earlier efforts by Oman and other countries.

Malaysia supports such initiatives, he said, but cautioned that any negotiations must be anchored on a “clear commitment to ending the conflict”, rather than serving as temporary pauses.

“The international community has seen too many ceasefires that function as pauses rather than conclusions. The region deserves something more durable,” he said.

Anwar added that he had held discussions with leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council, Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan and Pakistan to advocate de-escalation, saying Malaysia would continue to support efforts towards a “just and lasting peace.”