By The South Asia Times

Kuala Lumpur  - Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has thrown his weight behind Pakistan's diplomatic initiative to broker dialogue between the United States and Iran, praising Islamabad's "timely and constructive" offer as regional tensions continue to spiral.

In a sweeping statement, Anwar commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other friendly nations for stepping forward "at a moment of acute regional danger," while cautioning that any negotiated settlement must be built on genuine intent—not tactical pauses.

Anwar emphasized that Pakistan's unique diplomatic positioning makes it a natural mediator in the conflict that has engulfed the Middle East since US and Israeli forces launched large-scale attacks on Iran on February 28.

"Pakistan's relationships with the relevant parties, and its standing as a credible voice in the Muslim world, place it in a strong position to help create the conditions for meaningful negotiations," Anwar said.

"Malaysia supports this initiative and encourages in particular the United States and Iran to respond in the spirit in which it was offered."

The Malaysian leader noted that despite the intensity of the fighting, there are signs that diplomacy may still have room to breathe.

"I note with cautious hope the signals, however incomplete, that suggest some space for diplomacy may still exist," he said. "That space should be treated with the seriousness it deserves."

But Anwar issued a stark warning about the nature of past diplomatic efforts. "Any negotiation must proceed on the basis of genuine intent: a clear commitment to ending the conflict, not managing its tempo for tactical advantage. The international community has seen too many ceasefires that function as pauses rather than conclusions. The region deserves something more durable."

- Iran's right to defend sovereignty

In a significant diplomatic gesture, Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia's recognition of Iran's right to self-defense under international law.

"Malaysia reaffirms Iran's right to defend its sovereignty, as recognised under international law, particularly in the face of continued Israeli strikes in the country and in Lebanon," he stated.

At the same time, he called on all parties to exercise "maximum restraint" and to ensure that civilians and the infrastructure of neighboring Gulf states are not drawn further into a conflict they did not choose.

"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."

Anwar delivered a pointed critique of what he called selective application of international law, a theme he has repeatedly raised throughout the conflict.

"It is also a matter of concern that some of the strongest advocates of the rules-based international order appear to apply it unevenly," he said. "International law cannot be invoked selectively. It cannot shield one party from accountability while denying another its inherent right to self-defence. Its credibility depends on consistency."

The remarks appeared aimed at Western powers that have backed Israel's military campaign while condemning Iran's retaliatory strikes.

Malaysian Prime Minister revealed that he has been actively consulting with regional leaders to push for de-escalation.

"In recent days, I have held discussions with leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan and other partners to better understand the situation and to advocate for de-escalation," he said.

He concluded with a pledge that Malaysia would continue to support "every credible effort towards a just and lasting peace."

Pakistan's offer to host US-Iran dialogue comes as the conflict enters its fourth week, with casualties mounting on all sides. More than 1,300 Iranians were killed in the initial US-Israeli strikes on February 28, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has since retaliated with hundreds of missiles and drones targeting US and Israeli assets across the region.

The conflict has displaced over 3.2 million people in Iran and more than one million in Lebanon, while global oil prices have surged past $110 per barrel following Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan, which shares a border with Iran and maintains diplomatic channels with both Washington and Tehran, has positioned itself as a potential bridge between the adversaries.