Kuala Lumpur / Canberra / Seoul / Tokyo – February 28, 2026 – Several Asian governments voiced alarm on Saturday over the escalating conflict in the Middle East following joint US-Israeli military strikes on Iran, with reactions ranging from sharp condemnation of Israel and the US to cautious support for Washington’s actions and calls for immediate de-escalation.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim issued one of the strongest criticisms, accusing Israel of deliberately sabotaging ongoing diplomatic efforts. In a pointed statement posted on X, Anwar described the strikes as a “vile attempt to sabotage ongoing negotiations and to drag other nations into a conflict that could prove impossible to contain.” He urged an “immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities” and called on the international community to respond “urgently and without double standards.” Anwar specifically appealed to Washington and Tehran to pursue a diplomatic off-ramp rather than further escalation.
In contrast, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed support for the United States’ involvement. In a social media post, Albanese stated: “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.” The position drew immediate criticism from UN Special Rapporteur Ben Saul, who described Australia’s stance as “deeply disturbing.” Saul argued on X that the strikes violated the UN Charter, stating: “This is not lawful self-defence against an armed attack by Iran & the Security Council has not authorized it. Preventive regime change is an international crime.”
South Korea’s presidential office issued a measured statement, according to Yonhap News, saying Seoul is “closely monitoring the situation” and urging all parties to work toward de-escalating tensions to preserve regional stability. Japan echoed similar concern, with government officials stating they are “closely watching developments in the Middle East with grave concern,” particularly regarding potential impacts on global energy security and supply chains through the Strait of Hormuz.
Several Asian countries, including Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, and Nepal, issued updated travel advisories. Governments urged citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran, Israel, and Lebanon, with some—such as Malaysia and Nepal—advising nationals currently in Iran or Israel to leave immediately if possible. Others recommended heightened caution, registration with embassies, and monitoring of official alerts amid ongoing missile exchanges and airspace closures across the region.
The strikes, launched early Saturday, were announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the “Lion’s Roar” operation, described as pre-emptive to eliminate existential threats from Iran’s missile capabilities, nuclear program, and proxy networks. US President Donald Trump later confirmed American participation in “major combat operations” under “Operation Epic Fury,” stating the actions were necessary to defend the American people by “eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.” Trump urged Iranian forces to surrender and called on civilians to overthrow the regime, while acknowledging the risk of US casualties.
Reports indicate the attacks targeted military infrastructure, missile production sites, and reportedly senior leadership figures, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and others. Israeli assessments suggested a strong likelihood that Ali Shamkhani—Khamenei’s nuclear advisor—may have been eliminated, though Iranian authorities denied harm to key figures. Civilian casualties were reported, including five students killed when a girls’ primary school in Minab, Hormozgan province, was reportedly struck.
Iran condemned the operation as military aggression and a violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, asserting its right to self-defense under Article 51. Tehran’s Foreign Ministry stated that diplomacy had been prioritized—referencing indirect nuclear talks mediated by Oman, with the latest round ending in Geneva on Thursday—but vowed a “decisive and powerful” response. Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone barrages targeting Israeli territory and US bases in the Gulf, with strikes reported on a US-linked facility in Bahrain and an interception over Qatar using the Patriot system.
Gulf states—including Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia—closed or restricted airspace, placed forces on high alert, and expressed concern over potential energy disruptions. Oil prices surged sharply amid fears regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The Russian Embassy in Tehran urged its citizens to leave Iran if possible, while the European Union, Switzerland, and other nations called for maximum restraint, civilian protection, and respect for international law. The UN Security Council convened an emergency session, with Russia and China condemning the strikes as sovereignty violations.
This escalation follows the June 2025 12-day Israel-Iran war, during which Israel initiated strikes and the US later joined, bombing three Iranian nuclear facilities (Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan). Those actions were reported to have set back—but not eliminated—Iran’s nuclear capabilities, according to International Atomic Energy Agency assessments.
As missile exchanges continue, airspace restrictions persist, and regional forces remain on high alert, Asian governments are closely monitoring developments amid concerns over energy security, economic fallout, and the risk of a broader conflict affecting global stability.
