THESE CANNOT BE JUST NUMBERS
February 15, 2026Majlis Perundingan Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia (Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organizations) – MAPIM
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azmiabdulhamid58@gmail.com
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Press Release
15th Februari 2026
IF THE UNITED STATES ATTACKS IRAN FOR SUPPORTING PALESTINE
Muslim Nations Are Duty-Bound to Unite in Defence of Iran’s Sovereignty
The Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organizations (MAPIM) expresses grave concern over escalating tensions between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, particularly in the context of rising threats of military action.
Recent statements by U.S. leadership have reiterated readiness to escalate military pressure on Iran absent negotiated concessions — including possible strikes against Iranian targets — triggering fears of a wider regional conflagration.
Sovereignty Must Be Respected
Iran is a sovereign member state of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and a nation with long-standing ties to the Palestinian struggle. Support for Palestine — whether political, diplomatic, social or humanitarian — is a sovereign policy choice that falls within the legitimate domain of national foreign policy.
MAPIM emphasises that no external power should weaponise such support as a pretext for violating Iran’s territorial integrity or political independence.
Efforts to justify military intervention risk undermining the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter, including respect for state sovereignty and non-interference.
Regions at the Precipice
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have intensified against a backdrop of historical U.S.–Iran rivalry and recent military posturing, including threats of military strikes and deployments of naval forces in the Gulf.
Iran has publicly stated that any attack would be met with decisive response and that it will defend its national territory and interests.
Furthermore, diplomatic efforts to avert open conflict have been underway, involving regional powers and mediators, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. �
Al Jazeer
Duty of Muslim Nations:
Unity in Defence of Sovereignty
Muslim nations share a common duty — not only rooted in geopolitical solidarity but also in principles of international law and justice — to:
- Stand united in defence of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states, including Iran.
Solidarity in foreign policy does not imply unquestioning agreement with every policy of a partner state, but it does require unified resistance to external aggression and unilateral military intervention without clear multilateral mandate.
- Uphold non-aggression and de-escalation as the foundation of regional stability.
Military confrontation between major states in the Middle East would risk catastrophic humanitarian, economic and security consequences for millions, particularly civilians already bearing the brunt of conflict in Gaza and beyond.
- Advocate for peaceful resolution through diplomacy, multilateral negotiation, and shared frameworks.
MAPIM calls for renewed emphasis on diplomatic channels and international legal mechanisms to resolve disputes and reduce tensions. The Broader Context of Support for Palestine
Iran’s historical support for Palestinian groups — including diplomatic, financial and logistical assistance — is well documented as part of its foreign policy orientation since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
While such support remains controversial in global geopolitics, it is distinct from justification for military intervention against a sovereign state.
Muslim nations must reaffirm that political disagreements should be addressed through dialogue and international law, not through force.
Collective Duty Versus Geopolitical Fault Lines
The Middle East is at a critical juncture. Great-power involvement deepens fault lines and could entangle the region in wider conflict.
MAPIM reiterates that Muslim nations, individually and collectively, have a duty to protect regional peace by:
●Promoting dialogue between Iran and the United States to reduce the risk of military confrontation.
●Ensuring that bilateral disputes do not escalate into wider war affecting all Muslim peoples.
●Upholding principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity as enshrined in the UN Charter.
Sovereignty Is Not Negotiable
If any power — regardless of size or ambition — pursues military action against Iran under the pretext of external allegiances, Muslim nations must stand united.
Defence of sovereignty is not only a right but a responsibility under international law.
Collective action should prioritise peace, restraint, and diplomatic engagement as the first line of defence for stability in West Asia and beyond.
Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid
President MAPIM
