THE Ministry of Defence is monitoring the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, which poses significant threats to regional security, global economic stability and Malaysia’s national interests, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
Speaking to reporters after officiating a ginger harvesting ceremony in Kampung Gembut in Kota Tinggi on Saturday, Mohamed Khaled described the unfolding crisis as deeply concerning.
“We are observing the situation closely. When a global war breaks out, all nations are affected — oil prices will soar, supply chains are disrupted, global trade is hindered, and trade-dependent countries like Malaysia will feel the impact,” he said.
Mohamed Khaled, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kota Tinggi, noted that the conflict has offered valuable insights into the application of modern military technology, which could inform efforts to enhance Malaysia’s defence readiness.
He also confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating efforts to repatriate Malaysians currently in Iran.
“At present, there are no commercial flights operating in or out of Iran. Malaysians there will be evacuated by land,” he said, adding that Turkmenistan has agreed to facilitate their entry, from where they will likely return to Malaysia via commercial flights.
Mohamed Khaled said the number of Malaysians still in Iran is small, and that the evacuation process will be carried out in a coordinated manner, with close attention to safety and diplomatic protocols. - June 21, 2025
