Iranian Caretaker Defense Minister Brigadier General Majid Ebn al-Reza and Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin discussed the issue in a phone call.

Ebn al-Reza thanked Malaysia for its positions and support for Iran during the recent US-Israeli war of aggression, describing Malaysia as an important country in Southeast Asia and the Muslim world.

He said Iran and Malaysia have broad potential for cooperation, particularly in defense and security, and expressed Tehran’s readiness to share its defense and technological capabilities and experience with friendly Muslim countries within the framework of mutual interests.

The Iranian official also highlighted the strategic positions of the two countries near the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Malacca, saying this creates opportunities for cooperation and the exchange of experience in maritime security and safety.

Ebn al-Reza stressed that Iran seeks peace and stability in the region but will not accept illegitimate demands or coercion, adding that Iran would not allow the gains of its resistance in defending its independence, security and territorial integrity to be undermined.

He also identified the Zionist regime’s presence and actions as a major source of regional insecurity, arguing that the recent conflicts demonstrated that the presence of foreign forces and military bases does not necessarily enhance regional security and can instead exacerbate instability during crises.

Khaled Nordin, for his part, expressed Malaysia’s solidarity with Iran and said Kuala Lumpur attaches great importance to bilateral relations and is ready to expand defense cooperation through dialogue, training and technology transfer.

The Malaysian defense minister also invited Iran to participate in Malaysia’s defense, maritime and aerospace exhibition next year, saying Iran’s presence could help strengthen defense ties and facilitate the exchange of expertise. He further expressed Malaysia’s readiness to explore a framework for defense cooperation with Iran.

Ebn al-Reza invited his Malaysian counterpart to visit Tehran and expressed hope that the talks would open a new chapter in defense and military relations between the two countries.