President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ignited a significant diplomatic controversy after making strong remarks on the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, just as a high-level American envoy was visiting the Maldives.
Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office on March 23, President Muizzu declared that the Maldives would not permit its territory, waters, or airspace to be used for any military activities linked to the Middle East tensions. At the same time, he appeared to encourage Iran to intensify its actions against Israel.
“If Iran is to attack, it must be directly against Israel. Israel should simply be attacked day and night. We very much want things to go that way,” the President stated, according to reports of the briefing. He further suggested that attacks should target U.S. and Israeli military sites in the region, while emphasizing that civilian areas and Muslim populations must not be harmed.
These comments quickly spread across local and international media, sparking intense debate about the tone and implications of Maldives’ foreign policy.
Diplomatic Snub to US Envoy
The timing of the remarks has added fuel to the controversy. They were delivered on the same day U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor, was in the Maldives for official meetings. While Gor held discussions with the Maldivian Foreign Minister and Defence Minister, a long-scheduled meeting with President Muizzu was suddenly cancelled by the Maldivian side at the last minute.
Many political observers and diplomatic sources have described the cancellation as a clear snub, especially given the sensitive nature of the ongoing regional conflict and the strong wording used by the President during the press briefing.
President Muizzu reportedly told journalists that if the meeting with the U.S. envoy were to happen, he would make it clear that the Maldives has nothing to discuss regarding the war and would not allow its territory to be used in any capacity.
Tourism Sector on Edge
The Maldives relies heavily on tourism, which contributes the lion’s share of the country’s economy and foreign reserves. With roughly 30 percent of tourists traditionally routing through Middle Eastern hubs, industry insiders have expressed concern that escalating regional tensions — combined with high-profile statements from the leadership — could discourage visitors from major source markets in Europe and North America.
During the same press conference, President Muizzu acknowledged these risks and assured the public that the government is actively monitoring the situation and implementing measures to cushion any negative impact on the tourism industry.
Government Defends “Maldives First” Policy
Supporters of the administration argue that the President was simply reaffirming the country’s long-standing position of neutrality and its “Maldives First” policy. The Maldives does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel, and the government has consistently stated it will not become involved in foreign conflicts.
However, critics and analysts say the strong language used has raised fresh questions about diplomatic coordination, message control, and the potential long-term consequences for the country’s international relationships and economic stability.
As of late March, neither the President’s Office nor the Foreign Ministry had issued a full clarification or transcript of the exact remarks, leaving room for continued speculation and interpretation.
This episode comes at a time when the Maldives is carefully navigating relations with major global powers while prioritizing national sovereignty and economic resilience.
