Anwar slams US-Israel strike on Iran as 'wrong move'

New Straits Times

5 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his concern over the joint United States-Israel bombing of Iran's main nuclear sites last month following the Gaza conflict, calling it a wrong move that disregards diplomacy and the resilience of the Iranian people.
In an interview with France 24 published on the network's digital platforms today, the Prime Minister emphasised that resolving the Gaza issue required multilateral and fair negotiations.
"I wasn't terribly pleased because I think the way forward is only through negotiations. They (the US) have tried to destroy Iran too many times and you should never ignore the people's resilience," Anwar said.
"It failed to account for the resilience, capacity and tenacity of the Iranian people. What we welcome, of course, is a ceasefire," he added.
Commenting on Western nations' demands – including France's – for Iran to abandon its nuclear programme, Anwar stressed that such calls must be fair and consistent.
"If they want non-proliferation with the understanding that nuclear technology shouldn't be weaponised, that's fair. But it must be applied consistently. These contradictions and hypocrisy have become too apparent, and people no longer accept them," he said.
"This isn't the imperialist or colonial era where you can dictate terms. There must be fairness – why impose restrictions on Iran but not Israel? Why these double standards?" Anwar questioned.
When asked about his decision to contact Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh after Oct 7, 2023, the Prime Minister said it was in support of a ceasefire initiative, not violence, and stressed that some Western leaders were completely blinded to the atrocities for decades.
Anwar explained he had met Hamas leaders to facilitate dialogue through Qatar, Egypt and the US, adding that there was nothing wrong with pursuing a peace deal through negotiation.
"I was not there to provoke violence, but to support dialogue. But I won't be a lackey who condemns Hamas while remaining silent on Israel's actions," he said.
On criticism that he has been more vocal on Gaza than the war in Ukraine, Anwar rejected claims of double standards by saying that Malaysia has expressed its position clearly, including having spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin to pursue negotiations.
"He told me, he's prepared, but don't dictate. I don't represent anyone. We come from a different region and smaller country, but as a friend, I urge him to then seek some sort of an amicable, peaceful resolution of the conflict," said Anwar. - BERNAMA