Kuala lumpur: A lack of unity among the countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) appears to be one of the factors contributing to the increasing complexity of the war in Iran, according to an academic. Dr. Tan Chee Meng, assistant professor of Business Economics at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia, highlighted the differing stances within the GCC, with some countries advocating for war, others for diplomacy, and some preferring a strategy to contain Iran.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Tan explained that each country has its own interests and position regarding the conflict, and that this lack of unity is making the war increasingly difficult to contain. He noted that if major stakeholders in the GCC are struggling to address the Iranian issue, countries like Malaysia and other smaller powers, not directly involved, face similar challenges. Dr. Tan emphasized the importance of unity, suggesting that ASEAN should consider strengthening its cohesion to formulate a unified response.

Dr. Tan stressed the need for collective action to improve the situation, urging support for efforts aimed at resolving the conflict. He acknowledged that Malaysia is not immune to the impact of rising oil prices, a challenge shared by other oil-importing nations. He cautioned about the turbulent period ahead and the necessity to brace for potential difficulties if the war remains unresolved.

Meanwhile, Dr. Tan noted that under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), no specific country owns the Strait of Hormuz. He described Iran's actions as a blockade, considered illegal by many international legal scholars. He drew parallels with the United States' actions, which, while not officially a blockade, effectively target ships associated with Iranian ports and revenue streams. Dr. Tan suggested that the US strategy aims to pressure Iran by restricting access to waterways, potentially forcing Iran back to negotiations to end the war under terms favorable to the US.