PBNU On Iran Attacks Israel: Self-defense Rights For The Sake Of National Sovereignty

Chairman of PBNU Yahya Cholil Staquf (right) and Iranian Ambassador to Indonesia Mohammad Boroujerdi (left) when the two met at the PBNU Office, Jakarta, Friday (20/6/2025). BETWEEN/HO-PBNU

JAKARTA - The Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) Executive Board stated that the public can understand the steps taken by the Iranian government in defending itself for the sovereignty of the nation and state as a result of the Israeli attack.

"Gus Yahya emphasized that from the first day of Israel's attack on Iran, PBNU immediately issued an official statement condemning the military aggression," said PBNU chairman Ulil Abshar Abdalla in Jakarta, Friday, June 20, as quoted by Antara.

Ulil's statement quoted PBNU General Chair Yahya Cholil Staquf as called Gus Yahya during a meeting with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran for Indonesia Mohammad Boroujerdi at the PBNU Office, Jakarta, today.

Nevertheless, Ulil said, Gus Yahya urged Israel and Iran to exercise restraint and immediately end the conflict so that it would not escalate to the surrounding area in the Middle East.

Ulil explained that Gus Yahya conveyed a number of important attitudes and views of PBNU in responding to the ongoing dynamics.

Gus Yahya, Ulil said, said that Iran has an international legitimate right to defend itself against attacks carried out unilaterally by Israel.

However, he continued, Gus Yahya also emphasized the importance of all parties holding back and encouraging the cessation of war to prevent a wider escalation.

Furthermore, he said, Gus Yahya also conveyed that Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) residents spiritually prayed for the safety of the Iranian people and all parties affected by the conflict.

These prayers, according to Gus Yahya, are a form of Islamic solidarity that knows no geographical boundaries and is part of NU's commitment to fighting for global humanitarian values.

This meeting, which lasted about 45 minutes, was not only a formal diplomatic meeting, but also a gathering space that strengthened the inner line and concern for the fate of mankind.

Both parties agreed to continue to open space for communication and cooperation in the fields of humanity, education, and international peace.

PBNU, as the largest Islamic organization in the world, reiterated its role as a moral force that not only speaks out for the benefit of the Indonesian nation, but also for a fairer, peaceful, and humane world.

Meanwhile, Iran's Ambassador to Indonesia Mohammad Boroujerdi thanked the PBNU's moral solidarity and spiritual support for the Iranian people, particularly in responding to the Israeli military aggression against Iran.

"I am present in the largest Islamic organization in the world, PBNU, to express my deep appreciation and gratitude. PBNU has maintained a very good friendly relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran," he said.

During the aggression that Iran is experiencing, it appreciates the open support from PBNU, both against the Iranian nation and against human values.

The Iranian ambassador also emphasized that the support of the Indonesian people from various levels, including religious leaders, academics, politicians, and civil society, had reached his side and was very meaningful morally.

He considered PBNU as a strategic partner in building a peace civilization based on Islamic values that was rahmatan lil alamin.

"In particular, I ask the General Chairperson of PBNU to continue to pray for the safety and strength of our nation. In a situation like this, the prayers of Muslims in Indonesia are very meaningful for the Iranian people," he said.