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US interference has only worsened Iran-Israel conflict, says Anwar

US interference has only worsened Iran-Israel conflict, says Anwar

KUCHING: United States interference in the conflict between Israel and Iran has only worsened the crisis in the Middle East, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
Commenting on the recent US military strikes targeting three Iranian nuclear sites, Anwar did not mince his words as he questioned the international community's inconsistency in responding to the conflict.
"If we claim to be neutral, there should at least be a call to end all acts of violence.
"But why is Israel allowed to act in such a manner while Iran is denied the right to respond?" he told reporters after attending a meeting with Sarawak PKR leadership here today.
"Now Iran is under attack and has chosen to fight back.
"Unfortunately, the involvement of external powers like the United States is only making matters worse," Anwar added.
It was reported that US President Donald Trump had confirmed that the US military launched strikes on Sunday against three Iranian nuclear sites, including the Fordow uranium enrichment plant.
Trump was quoted as saying that a full payload of bombs was dropped on the underground facility at Fordow.
Anwar said the escalation of violence, including recent attacks and retaliations, would continue unless pressure is placed on Israel to cease its provocative and aggressive actions against other nations.
"We have firmly stated that for peace to prevail, Israel must be pressured to stop its provocative and violent actions against others.
"When you launch attacks and kill people, there will, of course, be retaliation from Iran."
Anwar also expressed concern that the ongoing conflict could lead to the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which would pose a major threat to the global economy.
"What matters most are human lives and justice. Malaysia will continue to speak out on this.
"Our stance is that independent and sovereign nations must not be silenced when it comes to speaking out on human rights and justice."
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