‘Maximum restraint’: Malaysia’s PM express concerns to Iran’s president at the BRICS Summit as Middle East conflict persists

Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called upon all parties involved in the Middle East conflict to demonstrate "maximum restraint" in order to avoid broader risks to regional peace, stability, and the global economy. The Prime Minister made this plea during a bilateral meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit in New Delhi.

This was Anwar's first such engagement at the beginning of Malaysia's participation in the BRICS program. The Prime Minister expressed Malaysia's deep concern over the conflict and rising tensions in the region, emphasizing the importance of preserving freedom, safety, and security of maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial international shipping route and vital artery for global energy supplies.

Anwar also advocated for returning to dialogue and diplomacy to address differences and ease tensions. In addition to the conflict, Anwar welcomed the long-standing diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Iran and reiterated Malaysia's commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across areas of mutual interest. The two leaders are also anticipated to explore possibilities to boost bilateral trade and investment in sectors such as energy, agriculture, palm oil, food security, halal economy, technology, and higher education.

Malaysia-Iran bilateral trade was valued at RM2.45 billion in 2025, with Malaysian exports accounting for RM2.17 billion, dominated by palm oil. The meeting aligns with Malaysia's aim to harness its BRICS partner status to enhance economic engagement with emerging markets. Iran's full membership in BRICS offers another institutional pathway for trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two nations.

Anwar's call for restraint and the preservation of Strait of Hormuz freedom has significant economic implications for Malaysia, as disruptions to shipping through the strait have been a key aspect of the US-Iran conflict since February, impacting global energy markets and supply chains and consequently, Malaysia's trade flows and energy imports.