Indonesia offers to mediate as US-Iran conflict escalates

Indonesia has expressed readiness to mediate between the United States and Iran following renewed hostilities involving the US and Israel against Iran, as tensions in the Middle East intensify.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Saturday (28/2/2026) that President Prabowo Subianto is prepared to travel to Tehran to facilitate dialogue, subject to agreement from the parties involved. The statement was issued several hours after US and Israeli forces resumed attacks on Iranian targets.

“Indonesia calls on all parties to exercise restraint and prioritise dialogue and diplomacy. Indonesia reiterates the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every country and resolving differences through peaceful means,” the Ministry said.

It added that Indonesia has offered itself as a facilitator to restore conducive security conditions. “Subject to the agreement of both parties, the President of Indonesia is willing to depart for Tehran to conduct mediation,” the statement continued.

Escalation Amid Negotiations

The latest attacks occurred during an ongoing diplomatic process. On Thursday, US and Iranian delegations held talks in Geneva, Switzerland.

Among the outcomes was an agreement for technical teams from both countries to meet in Vienna, Austria, and to hold discussions with representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding oversight of Iran’s nuclear programme.

From Geneva, Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi travelled to Washington DC, where he met US Vice President JD Vance to discuss regional de-escalation. Oman has been acting as mediator in the most recent round of US-Iran negotiations.

In an interview with CBS News, al-Busaidi said a peace agreement was within reach if diplomacy was given sufficient space.

He estimated that it could take up to three months for the IAEA to complete verification processes to ensure Iran’s nuclear programme was exclusively peaceful.

However, within hours of the renewed US and Israeli strikes, Iran retaliated.

The escalation followed confirmation that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had been killed in the attacks. Iranian state television confirmed his death after US President Donald Trump announced it publicly.

Trump stated that Washington would strike Iran with “force the likes of which has never been seen before” should Tehran respond. Iran subsequently launched retaliatory strikes not only against Israel but also against US military installations in Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

Strait of Hormuz Closure and Economic Concerns

Amid the escalation, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route for global energy trade. The closure has raised concerns over disruptions to global oil shipments.

Researchers cited by Indonesian media noted that the closure could indirectly affect Indonesia’s economy, as the country is a net oil importer.

The Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that escalating tensions in the Middle East have the potential to disrupt regional stability and global peace and security.

Indonesian citizens in affected areas were urged to remain calm, follow local authorities’ instructions and maintain communication with Indonesian diplomatic representatives.

According to official data, 329 Indonesian citizens are currently in Iran.

The Indonesian Embassy in Tehran stated that the community there has not reported any direct threats but has been advised to remain vigilant.

Domestic and Diplomatic Reactions

The proposal for President Prabowo to mediate has drawn mixed reactions in Indonesia.

Former Indonesian Ambassador to the United States Dino Patti Djalal described the idea as “highly unrealistic”. He questioned whether the initiative had been adequately considered before being announced and argued that the United States rarely accepts third-party mediation.

He also noted that Iran’s government has not recently maintained particularly close relations with Jakarta, and raised logistical and political concerns about potential meetings involving US, Iranian and Israeli leaders.

Researcher Virdika Rizky Utama of PARA Syndicate described the mediation offer as an attempt to attract international attention. He argued that Indonesia should take a firmer stance regarding the attacks.

Defence observer Made Supriatma of the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute characterised the proposal as a “gimmick”. He said Indonesia lacks sufficient political leverage, neutrality and direct communication channels with the conflicting parties to play an effective mediating role.

According to several analysts, the conflict is likely to be prolonged.

Dino Patti Djalal stated that the objective of the military operations now appears to extend beyond limiting Iran’s nuclear capacity to pursuing regime change in Tehran.

Iran’s Response to Indonesia’s Offer

The Iranian Embassy in Jakarta welcomed Indonesia’s readiness to mediate. In a press release on Sunday (1/3/2026), it expressed appreciation for President Prabowo’s willingness to facilitate dialogue and emphasised the importance of a firm stance condemning what it described as aggression by the United States and Israel.

Indonesia has previously sought to position itself as a contributor to global peace initiatives, including participation in the US-initiated Board of Peace.

President Prabowo had recently returned from a series of overseas visits, including the United Arab Emirates and a meeting with President Trump, shortly before the renewed escalation began.