AS the humanitarian catastrophe in the Middle East continues to exacerbate following the violence and systematic destabilisation in Gaza caused by Israel’s retaliation in response to the October 7 Hamas attacks, the region is at risk of further submersion into chaos. 

This comes after an Israeli airstrike in Syria on April 1 left the Iranian embassy consulate in Damascus in ruins, killing 16 people – including officers from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps; heightening tensions in Tehran. For weeks, it was speculated that officials in Iran would initiate a strategic offensive against Israel. On April 13, Iran launched 120 ballistic missiles, 170 drones and more than 30 cruise missiles into Israel, marking the first time in which Iran has directly sent munitions into Israel; a dangerous precedent.  

The offensive has the potential to heighten tensions between the two nations in a way not seen previously as Israel mulls its response to Iran, vowing it would retaliate, but had yet to decide as to the nature or scope of its counteroffensive. Given the intensity of the situation, it is imperative that the global order discuss with urgency as to measures which could be taken to call for restraint between Israel and Iran given the militaristic capacities of both nations. Such an escalation could also push the state of Palestine into irrevocable disarray.

Malaysia has played a vital role in advocating for an immediate halt of escalation between the two countries. Foreign minister Mohamad Hasan, reiterating Malaysia’s stand on the conflict, emphasised the immediate need for restraint in the region, for any form of provocation to be avoided, and for peace to be established to aid the security and welfare of the Palestinians. The country must engage with the international community with urgency.

The government of Malaysia must further deliberate as to the policy instruments it could activate to strengthen its call for peace. For one, Malaysia could chair meetings with neighbouring Asean countries to discuss a collective stand on the conflict – one which could then be communicated to the United Nations. This places greater pressure on the international community to openly advocate for and support a de-escalation of the conflict. 

Malaysia, given its strong diplomatic relations with Iran, could also urgency coordinate efforts to communicate with Iranian officials to closely monitor any developments that could arise in the next few weeks. This would allow the Malaysian government to gauge the nature of any escalations that could take place and be better informed of any measures that the country could advocate for in the international community to prevent conflict.

Most importantly, Malaysia could explore ways in which it could communicate its de-escalation stand and discuss measures to be undertaken with the notable world powers – particularly France, the United Kingdom and the United States, given their direct involvement in the interception of missiles launched from Tehran into Israeli territories. 

It is important for Malaysia to continue to urge for peace in the Middle East and to exhaust all diplomatic instruments within its role as a member of the United Nations to drive stronger global consensus for a cessation of hostilities. The situation between Israel-Iran is delicate and requires an approach which aims to also to prevent similar incidents in future. A conflict between Israel-Iran would have severe ramifications for Malaysia also as the violence threatens to wage war, ravage lives, and devastate economies. – April 15, 2024.

* Pravin Periasamy reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.