JAKARTA - Foreign Minister Sugiono said he had communicated with the United States and Iran, regarding Indonesia's offer to facilitate peace talks amid the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.
New conflicts broke out in the Middle East along with Israeli and US attacks on Iranian territory on Saturday last week.
"I communicate with both parties, the US and the Iranian parties. We will wait for what will happen later, because he said he would see the situation in the next few days and weeks," said Sugiono at the Presidential Palace complex, Tuesday night, launching a statement Wednesday (4/3).
Furthermore, Foreign Minister Sugiono revealed that he had conveyed Indonesia's intention directly in a telephone communication with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. In the conversation, Foreign Minister Sugiono also emphasized the importance of all parties returning to the negotiating table.
"What is certain is that we conveyed again the desire of the President to become a mediator in an effort to cool down and de-escalate in the region. And these are the views that he (Araghchi) also received," he added.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Sugiono, explained, the step was based on Indonesia's commitment to take an active and constructive role in responding to conflicts. According to him, dialogue and diplomacy remain the best way to ease tensions and end conflicts.
However, he emphasized that mediation can only be realized if all parties to the conflict express their willingness to be facilitated.
"What is certain is that Indonesia wants to be in a position that how can we become a bridge of difference, offer our readiness, offer ourselves," he said.
It is known that the US and Iran held "Operation Epic Furry" version of Washington or "Operation Roaring Lion" version of Tel Aviv on Saturday, quoted from ABC.
The attack left hundreds of people dead in Iran, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a number of senior Tehran officials.
"According to field reports from the operational team, unfortunately, 787 citizens have been killed in this attack," the Iranian Red Crescent said on its website.
The Red Crescent also said attacks since Saturday had hit 153 cities and more than 500 locations across Iran in more than 1,000 attacks.
In response, Iran has fired missiles at Israel, at US bases around the region and also at targets in regional Arab countries - Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates - something US President Donald Trump has called a "major surprise."
Citing CBS News, the US military on Monday said the death toll of its soldiers in the latest conflict with Iran had reached six.
Responding to this development, Indonesia expressed regret over the failure of negotiations between the US and Iran which led to military escalation. Indonesia also called on all parties to refrain and prioritize dialogue and diplomacy.
In addition, Indonesia expressed its readiness to facilitate dialogue to encourage the creation of a conducive security situation.
"And if both parties agree, the Indonesian President is willing to leave for Tehran to mediate," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, last Saturday.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
