January 23, 2026
Local
Local
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 — Two foreign nationals have become the first individuals in Malaysia to be charged in court for littering under the newly enforced anti-littering law, according to a report by The Star.
GENEVA, March 2 — Switzerland has called for a return to diplomacy as Tehran carried out retaliatory strikes across the Gulf, three days after mediated talks between United States and Iran in Geneva.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin said on X that “all parties must protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, de-escalate immediately, and return to diplomacy.”
On Thursday, Washington and Tehran engaged in indirect negotiations in Switzerland over Iran’s nuclear programme, with Omani mediators reporting “significant progress” during the discussions.
Following the US and Israeli strikes, and Iran’s subsequent response in the Gulf, Switzerland emphasized the importance of full compliance with international law, including the UN Charter and international humanitarian law, Parmelin added.
Having visited Kuwait and the UAE last month, Parmelin also spoke on Sunday with his Emirati counterpart and Kuwait’s crown prince about the urgent need to “prevent further regional destabilisation.”
Switzerland confirmed on Saturday that its good offices remain available to all parties involved in the conflict.
As a neutral country, Switzerland has long played a key diplomatic role between Iran and the United States, representing US interests in Iran since Washington severed direct ties following the 1980 hostage crisis. This role as a protecting power has enabled the two nations to maintain minimal diplomatic and consular relations despite ongoing tensions. — AFP
