Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has criticised the Israeli strikes and the American military action for bringing the “Middle East to the edge of catastrophe”.

“Israel’s initiation of these strikes was a vile attempt to sabotage ongoing negotiations and to drag other nations into a conflict that could prove impossible to contain,” he said on X.

“An immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities is imperative. I urge the United States and Iran to pursue a diplomatic off-ramp rather than further escalation, and the international community to act with urgency and without double standards.

“Furthermore, my concern at this time is the safety of Malaysians in Iran and elsewhere in the region. I will be in touch with regional partners on the next steps in this regard.”