Foreign minister offers clarification on Muizzu's remarks supporting attacks on US military bases

Apr 30, 2026, 8:54 AM
Foreign Minister Iruthisham

Foreign Minister Iruthisham

The Maldivian government has provided a detailed clarification to Sergio Gor, the US Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs, regarding remarks made by President Mohamed Muizzu that encouraged attacks on American military bases.

In a post on X last night, the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA) confirmed that Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam held a phone call with Gor and Bethany Morrison, the SCA Deputy Assistant Secretary.

"On the call, the FM helped clarify recent statements by the Maldivian President. The Minister reiterated that the President of Maldives wanted a positive relationship. We look forward to future engagements," it stated. 

Gor also serves as the US Ambassador to India and is a close advisor to President Donald Trump. According to US media reports, Gor is considered one of the most influential figures within the Trump administration.

Muizzu’s remarks were made during a press conference at the President's Office on March 23, where he supported Iranian strikes against US military bases located in Gulf Arab nations.

Muizzu encourages Iran to attack US military bases in Gulf Arab states

"The two initiators of this war, the US and Israel, their places [military bases] must be attacked in a way that does not harm the Muslims in the region. That is the policy of the Maldivian government," he said.

Speaking at the briefing, Muizzu stated that he supports a policy where Iran targets US military installations in the region, provided such actions do not harm the citizens of Arab nations.

"The two initiators of this war, the US and Israel, their places [military bases] must be attacked in a way that does not harm the Muslims in the region. That is the policy of the Maldivian government," he said.

His comments came at a time when Gor was visiting the Maldives. However, following the remarks encouraging attacks on US military facilities, Gor cancelled his planned meeting with Muizzu and departed from the Maldives. 

His departure also coincided with a death threat made against him while he was in the country.

A Facebook account named Hussain Ahsan posted that "everyone should come out and stone him to death."

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