Asian Nations Split Over U.S.-Israel Strikes on Iran

(MENAFN) Asian governments split sharply on Saturday over the US-Israeli assault on Iran, with Malaysia issuing a blistering condemnation and Australia throwing its weight behind Washington, as multiple nations scrambled to issue urgent travel warnings for the escalating conflict zone.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim delivered one of the region's harshest rebukes, accusing Israel of deliberately torpedoing diplomatic progress and dragging the Middle East toward 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. An immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities is imperative," Anwar posted on X.

The Malaysian leader further pressed both Washington and Tehran to pursue a diplomatic exit, demanding the international community respond with urgency and consistency — rejecting what he characterized as a double standard in global reactions to the crisis.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese struck a markedly different tone, throwing Canberra's support firmly behind the strikes. "We support the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran continuing to threaten international peace and security," Albanese wrote on social media.

That endorsement drew immediate international rebuke. UN Special Rapporteur Ben Saul called Australia's position alarming, stating: "Deeply disturbing Australia supports the illegal US/Israeli aggression against Iran in violation of the UN Charter. This is not lawful self-defence against an armed attack by Iran & the Security Council has not authorized it." Saul added: "Preventive regime change is an international crime."

South Korea's presidential office issued a brief but measured response, with Seoul announcing it was closely monitoring developments and calling on all parties to pursue de-escalation, according to media. Japan similarly stated it was tracking the situation with grave concern, flagging particular alarm over potential disruptions to regional energy security.

As the military situation deteriorated, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, and Nepal all moved to issue travel advisories covering Iran, Israel, and Lebanon — with several governments ordering citizens to evacuate Iran and Israel immediately and others urging heightened caution.

Israel launched the campaign early Saturday under the codename "Lion's Roar," simultaneously declaring a nationwide "special and immediate" state of emergency. US President Donald Trump confirmed Washington's direct military involvement, framing the strikes as a necessary measure to protect American interests by "eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime."

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