28 February 2026 | 10 Ramadan 1447H
Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM) views with grave concern and strongly condemns the military actions undertaken by the United States and Israel against the sovereign territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran and several areas in Lebanon, which have triggered a dangerous escalation in West Asia.
These attacks occurred while diplomatic channels and negotiations concerning the nuclear issue were still ongoing. Military action taken in the midst of active negotiations not only undermines the peace process but also sends a troubling message that armed force is being prioritized over diplomatic commitment.
ABIM affirms that the unilateral use of force without collective international mandate constitutes a violation of the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter, particularly Article 2(4), which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity of any state.
More concerning is the fact that this escalation reflects a broader crisis of credibility within the international system, where major powers that play dominant roles in global security structures appear inconsistent in upholding the very principles they demand from others. International law cannot be selective nor subordinated to geopolitical interests.
The normalization of military action under the pretext of prevention or alleged future threats risks opening the door to a dangerous and uncontrollable culture of “pre-emptive” warfare.
ABIM further questions the credibility of international actors who, on one hand, promote peace initiatives such as the Board of Peace and regional stabilization mechanisms, yet on the other hand are directly involved in or supportive of military actions that ignite armed conflict. Peace initiatives must not become instruments of rhetoric or tools for geopolitical legitimization. Genuine leadership for peace requires moral consistency and a commitment to de-escalation, not military dominance.
West Asia has long been a theatre of major power rivalries. Another wave of war will only deepen civilian suffering, destabilize the region, and generate spillover effects on the global economy and international security. ABIM calls for:
1. The immediate cessation of all military actions and retaliatory measures that may widen the conflict.
2. The return of all parties to the negotiating table without preconditions that obstruct meaningful dialogue.
3. Consistent and non-selective action by the international community in upholding the principles of sovereignty and international law.
4. A renewed commitment to multilateralism and peaceful conflict resolution through diplomacy.
Just and lasting peace cannot be achieved through military domination. It can only be realized through justice, respect for sovereignty, and the willingness to negotiate with dignity.
ABIM will continue to monitor developments closely and urges all parties to choose the path of de-escalation before the region is drawn into a wider and uncontrollable conflict.
‘Upholding Truth and Justice’
Ahmad Fahmi bin Mohd Samsudin
President
Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM)
