Sharp, essential news and analysis from Malaysia.
Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman is travelling to Tehran to mediate de-escalation efforts between the US and Iran, marking his first visit since February's military exchanges.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif have agreed regional tensions require diplomatic resolution. The leaders discussed Iran-US relations and the critical importance of maintaining open shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil prices jumped more than 1% on Tuesday as prospects for a US-Iran agreement to end hostilities and restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz deteriorated following Donald Trump's insistence on Tehran paying reparations for war-related losses.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations has issued a security alert following an incident involving a tanker and military personnel in the Gulf of Oman near Pakistan's Gwadar coast, as tensions simmer across the strategic waterway.
The US has advised its citizens in West Asia to consider leaving the region amid escalating tensions with Iran. American embassies issued security alerts warning of potential airspace closures and travel disruptions.
Iran's Supreme National Security Council secretary has warned that American maritime blockade operations could prompt Tehran to shut the Strait of Hormuz and other key shipping lanes, with potential ripple effects across global energy supplies.
Kuwait's military activated air defence systems on Sunday to counter missile and drone attacks, as escalating US-Iran hostilities threaten regional stability and draw neighbouring countries into the conflict.
Pakistan and Kuwait have raised alarm over intensifying hostilities between Iran and the United States, urging restraint and adherence to ceasefire agreements to prevent broader regional destabilisation.
Qatar has strongly rejected claims by Israeli media that it agreed to join military action against Iran, asserting its commitment to diplomatic mediation and regional stability amid escalating Gulf tensions.