Emergency motion calls for preparatory measures over Iran-Israel war

An emergency motion has been submitted to Parliament calling on the government to take preparatory measures over the Iran-Israel war that has further stirred up tension in the Middle East.

The emergency motion submitted by MDP’s South Galolhu MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem was accepted for debate by the votes of 45 lawmakers. Only one lawmaker voted against the motion: PNC’s North Fuvahmulah MP Hamad Abdulla.

Meekail, in his emergency motion, emphasized the possibility of the war lengthening and escalating to other nations, referring to retaliatory on a US military base in Qatar following US attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities on Monday.

As such, he expresses concern over the impacts the war could have on the Maldives.

He also noted hearing reports that air travel in destinations like Doha and Dubai has been suspended following Iran’s attack on the US military base in Qatar, adding that the tourism industry would be the first to feel the impact if air travel is disrupted.

Meekail explained that this would eventually result in a decline in tourist arrivals, leading to reduced state revenue and challenges in obtaining foreign currency—putting the Maldives in a difficult economic position.

He underscored it as a responsibility of the government to ensure uninterrupted import of items such as oil and gas required to provide essential services and uninterrupted supply of medicine, staple foods and children’s food.

Henceforth, Meekail, in his motion, called on the government to take preparatory measures for possible impacts of the war.

Notably, Meekail had earlier submitted a resolution to the Parliament, seeking the opinion of the Parliament regarding preparatory measures that can be implemented by the government over the possible impacts of the war.

Hostilities between Israel and Iran erupted on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on nuclear, military sites and civilians across Iran.

The conflict escalated further when US forces joined the Israeli aggression over the weekend, targeting three major Iranian nuclear sites.

On Monday night, Iran launched ballistic missiles at the US military’s Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in retaliation, prompting renewed fears of a broader regional conflict.

However, shortly after the attack, US president Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between which came into effect at 0400 GMT on Tuesday.

Israel has accused Iran of violating the ceasefire already, and ordered the army to launch intense strikes on the Iranian capital, Tehran.

Maldives already had flights delayed or cancelled when Qatar and Dubai closed it airspace in light of Monday night’s attacks.

The 12-day war has already seen oil prices increase by 10 percent. The increase in prices is expected to be reflected in other things.