Jakarta. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently told President Prabowo Subianto that he would like to come to Jakarta soon, as both nations sought an end to the Iran war.

The leaders had just spoken over the phone for Eid wishes on Monday night. The conversation also revolved around the US-Israeli strikes against Iran, which had culminated in a regionwide conflict and fueled global oil price shocks. 

“We have agreed to arrange a meeting in the near future, including my proposal to visit Jakarta to bolster our already close bilateral ties,” Anwar announced on his social media account the following day.

Anwar admitted that they had discussed Prabowo’s diplomatic efforts. The latter had pitched to mediate between Iran and the US, even offering to travel to Tehran to facilitate the talks.

“We both call for peace. I inform President Prabowo that Malaysia will continue to support and strengthen diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating the Iran-Israel conflict,” Anwar said.

He went on to say the de-escalation can help protect civilians and open a path for a “meaningful negotiation” for a lasting solution. 

Malaysian envoy Syed Mohamad Hasrin had previously told reporters that Anwar would travel to Jakarta for the D-8 Summit next month. This $5.1 trillion bloc  — which unites major Muslim developing nations, including Iran — was supposed to have a leaders’ gathering. Jakarta decided to delay the summit as the Iran war drags into a third week. Indonesia has yet to announce the revised date.

From the get-go, Anwar did not hesitate in condemning the strikes, even warning that the attacks could “bring the Middle East to the edge of catastrophe”. He was also frank that the US had lent Tel Aviv a hand in coordinating the attack. He also described the strikes as a “vile attempt” to sabotage ongoing negotiations, alluding to the nuclear agreement talks between Washington and Tehran. ASEAN — of which Indonesia and Malaysia are part — has also repeatedly called for an “immediate cessation of hostilities”.

US President Donald Trump recently claimed that he had postponed the threatened US strikes on Iranian power plants for five days following a “very good and productive” discussion with Tehran. The Iranian side swiftly denied that any such negotiations had taken place.

Anwar’s last state visit to Jakarta was in July 2025.