Anwar welcomes progress in US-Iran talks, Hormuz deal

 The prime minister says he received encouraging signals from leaders in West Asia and wants negotiations to lead to a successful conclusion.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia is ready to support any multilateral effort contributing to lasting peace in West Asia.

PETALING JAYA:

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has welcomed the “progressive trajectory” of negotiations between the US and Iran, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, citing signals he said he received from leaders in West Asia.

Anwar’s statement follows US president Donald Trump’s claim yesterday that a peace deal with Iran had been “largely negotiated”, though still subject to finalisation.

“I view these developments with earnest optimism,” he said in a social media posting.

Anwar noted the constructive roles played by Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates in facilitating the process, and also welcomed Trump’s personal engagement in pursuing a negotiated outcome.

“We hope all parties will seize this opportunity and carry the negotiations through to a successful conclusion,” he said.

Anwar said Malaysia is ready to support any multilateral effort contributing to lasting peace in West Asia.

“We urge all parties to come to an inclusive framework agreement that consolidates the current ceasefire, ensures safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and addresses the legitimate security interests of all nations in the region,” he said.

Under the emerging framework, the deal reportedly includes a 60-day ceasefire extension during which the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened, Iran would be allowed to resume oil sales, and negotiations would continue on suspending its nuclear programme.

In exchange, the US would lift its blockade on Iranian ports and issue some sanction waivers to allow Iran to sell oil freely, a report added. - FMT