Prabowo Subianto questions ‘rationality’ of US–Israel–Iran war, urges dialogue and mediation efforts

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has expressed surprise at the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, describing the military campaign as lacking “rationality” and calling for renewed efforts at dialogue.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Prabowo said he was “pretty surprised” by the war and conveyed concern over its trajectory. “We are all confused,” he said. “And I’m saddened. I don’t feel there’s any rationality in this,” according to Bloomberg.

The Indonesian leader, a former general, said Iranian officials had indicated reluctance to enter negotiations with Washington, citing past experiences. “They felt basically they have been tricked twice,” Prabowo said in the Bloomberg interview, adding that in what he described as an asymmetrical conflict, Iran’s priority was survival.

His remarks come as the war, which began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February 2026, continues to escalate.

The attacks caused damage to infrastructure and casualties, and were followed by Iranian retaliation targeting Israel and US military facilities across the Middle East.

Prabowo said it remained difficult to predict the duration of the conflict, stressing that any mediation effort would require willingness from all parties to engage. “My advice is always to look for the peaceful option,” he said, as cited by Bloomberg.

Indonesia has positioned itself as a potential mediator. Prabowo reiterated that Jakarta stands ready to contribute to diplomatic efforts, while maintaining its long-standing “free and active” foreign policy, which avoids alignment with major power blocs and emphasises an independent role in international affairs.

He also addressed Indonesia’s involvement in the Board of Peace, an initiative linked to US President Donald Trump. The Indonesian president said participation in the body was intended to advance a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“If we are inside [the Board of Peace], we can still influence and work toward a lasting solution, which in our view is an independent Palestine,” Prabowo said in the Bloomberg interview.

However, plans to deploy Indonesian peacekeeping troops to Gaza as part of an international stabilisation effort have been postponed. Indonesian officials said discussions related to the initiative have been put on hold amid the worsening conflict in the region.

Prabowo also questioned the effectiveness of the US military approach against Iran. He said achieving regime change through aerial operations alone would be difficult, noting that such objectives would require extensive bombardment.

Beyond the Middle East, the Indonesian president sought to downplay concerns that China might use the crisis to escalate tensions elsewhere, including over Taiwan. He said Chinese leaders were primarily focused on domestic development and would seek to avoid open conflict.

On defence policy, Prabowo confirmed that Indonesia is considering the purchase of Chinese military equipment, including fighter aircraft, while emphasising that Jakarta sources arms from multiple countries. He reiterated that Indonesia would not join any military alliance.

“We cannot be part of any military alliance,” he said, according to Bloomberg. “When something happens, we cannot rely on anybody.”

The president added that Indonesia maintains a defensive military posture and prioritises stable relations with neighbouring countries, while continuing to build its own defence capabilities.

His comments reflect Jakarta’s attempt to balance diplomatic engagement with strategic autonomy, as the conflict in the Middle East continues to shape global political and security dynamics.