“Iran’s strong and decisive response will show this rogue state that it is not invincible,” said Mohd Jamaludin Shamsudin, CEO of Allied Coordinating Council of Islamic NGOs (ACCIN) in Malaysia.
“Iran has destroyed this aura of invincibility,” he told IQNA.
The remarks come just weeks after the Israeli regime launched a full-scale aggression on Iranian territory on June 13, striking multiple military and nuclear sites, and carrying out assassinations of senior military officials, nuclear scientists, and civilians. The United States also took part in the assault by striking Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities located in the central region of the country.
In retaliation, Iran’s Armed Forces launched precise strikes on the regime’s military and industrial infrastructure using advanced-generation missiles. Iran also hit back at the United States by targeting a strategic airbase in Qatar.
Twelve days after the start of the war, the occupying regime was compelled to announce a unilateral ceasefire, based on a proposal from Washington.
Here is the full text of the interview:
IQNA: In your assessment, what are the potential consequences of this escalation for regional peace and stability in West Asia and the broader Muslim world?
Shamsudin: The situation is already dire in the Middle East with the continuing genocide in Gaza. Israel has continued to use the US to wage its war and regime change throughout the Middle East. Iran is the last bastion of defense against the plot of a greater Israel.
The escalation is expected from a violent regime playing victim. Certainly this will create further instability in the whole region.
IQNA: Do you believe the failure of the UN Security Council to condemn the Israeli attacks reflects a structural bias in international institutions? How should Muslim-majority nations respond to such inaction?
Shamsudin: The Security Council is a relic of the past. Ineffective, unfair, and biased. It needs to be dismantled. The veto power of the 5 powers makes it a failure and unable to condemn even the most blatant aggression and genocide.
Muslim majority nations, together with friendly nations seeking justice, need to explore other avenues available. One is to use the UNGA to pass a resolution for action by the UN. Muslim nations need to unite for a coherent and concerted effort.
IQNA: Iran has formally condemned the silence of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding US-Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities. Shouldn’t the IAEA be equally concerned about attacks on peaceful nuclear infrastructure, regardless of the country?
Shamsudin: IAEA should be impartial and fair. However, this is not the case. No statements at all. Iran’s decision to reject the NPT and remove all IAEA inspectors is a wise move to protect its safety and interests.
IQNA: What role can Malaysia, as a leading Muslim-majority country and a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, play in mobilizing diplomatic efforts against Israel’s aggression?
Shamsudin: Malaysia’s position is clear. That all international laws and treaties must be respected and adhered to. Malaysia condemns the unprovoked aggression on Iran by the settler colonial state of Israel and its complicit partner in crime, the USA.
Continuous efforts are ongoing within our means to mobilize diplomatic efforts despite walking a tightrope.
IQNA: Some argue that this moment is a critical test of Muslim unity. Do you believe the Muslim world has responded adequately to Israel’s actions, particularly in defense of Iran as a fellow Muslim country?
Shamsudin: Not at all. It shows there is a lot of effort that needs to be done to unite the ummah.
IQNA: What message does the international community’s silence send to other countries that may consider similar acts of aggression? Are we witnessing a breakdown of international norms?
Shamsudin: The case of Israel is unique. It can only carry out its aggression only with the enabling and complicity of the current sole superpower, the US, which is a declining empire.
Iran’s strong and decisive response will show this rogue state that it is not invincible. Iran has destroyed this aura of invincibility.
IQNA: In your opinion, what long-term strategies should Muslim nations pursue to ensure that their collective voice is heard and that such acts of hostility—whether against Palestine, Iran, or others—are not normalized or overlooked?
Shamsudin: The only way is to unite as an ummah for the benefit of mankind. Islam is rahmatan lil alameen. Western civilization is on the decline. It has failed to bring justice and harmony to the world.
Set aside differences, focus on priorities, and cooperate in all fields to strengthen our economy, international standing, and military prowess.
The views and opinions expressed in this interview are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views of International Quran News Agency.
Interview by Mohammad Ali Haqshenas
