A coalition of Malaysian-based Islamic and civil society organizations has issued a joint statement condemning what it describes as selective international pressure on Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, while ongoing atrocities in Gaza are met with silence.

The statement, released on March 24, 2026, by Majlis Perundingan Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia (MAPIM) and endorsed by nine other organizations, asserts that the current geopolitical crisis reflects a deeply unjust international order where markets are valued over human lives.

Hormuz and global double standards

The Strait of Hormuz carries approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil supply, and recent disruptions have caused global economic instability and rising fuel prices. However, the statement criticizes global actors for applying coordinated pressure on Iran while ignoring the aggression that triggered escalation and threatening further militarization.

“When strategic waterways are controlled by Western powers, it is called ‘security’; when Iran asserts its position, it is labelled a ‘threat’,” the statement reads. “When Gaza is starved, the world remains silent. When global oil flows are disrupted, the world reacts immediately.”

Gaza: The real humanitarian catastrophe

The organizations emphasize that while pressure mounts on Iran, the people of Gaza continue to suffer an ongoing blockade, continuous violations despite ceasefire arrangements, and systematic destruction of homes and infrastructure.

“No discussion on regional stability is credible while Gaza remains under siege,” the statement declares, calling unequivocally for the blockade on Gaza to end immediately and for Israel to withdraw from its aggression and occupation.

Iran’s right to sovereign response

The joint statement affirms that Iran, as a sovereign state, has the right to respond to aggression within the framework of international law. It describes any attempt to isolate or pressure Iran without addressing the aggression it faces as unjust and politically motivated.

Root causes and call to action

According to the statement, the crisis did not begin at Hormuz but rather with prolonged occupation, aggression, and impunity. The expansion of conflict is attributed to continued Israeli violations in Palestine, escalation of military action against Iran, and the failure of the international system to enforce justice.

The organizations call on the international community to end selective pressure and address root causes. They urge Muslim nations to unite in rejecting foreign military dominance and to establish independent security cooperation. Civil society worldwide is called upon to expose double standards and advocate for justice.

Conclusion

“The issue is no longer about shipping lanes,” the statement concludes. “It is about justice, human dignity, and whether the world will continue to tolerate a system where economic disruption triggers global response while human suffering is ignored.”

The statement was issued by Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid, Convener, on behalf of the endorsing organizations.

Endorsers:

- Majlis Perundingan Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia (MAPIM)

- MANAR (World Mosque Alliance in Defence of Al-Aqsa)

- SHURA (Secretariate for Ulama Assembly of Asia)

- Persatuan Kebajikan Rakyat Sejagat SEJAGAT

- Sekretariat Solidariti Palestin

- Malaysia Global Coalition in Support of Al Quds and Palestine

- Malaysia-Palestin Workers Union

- Citizens International

- Center for Education Peace Action Development