Indonesia urges US, Iran to de-escalate amid heavy military strikes

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia urged the United States and Iran to exercise maximum restraint and pursue de-escalation following a series of retaliatory military strikes between the two countries in the Middle East.

"Indonesia emphasizes that all parties must maintain restraint and avoid actions that could worsen the situation," Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang stated at a media briefing in Jakarta on Thursday.

Yvonne noted that Indonesia continues to encourage both parties to prioritize dialogue, halt hostilities and return to the negotiating table within a framework that respects international law.

According to the ministry, resuming the peace process between the US and Iran is critical to maintaining regional security and restoring maritime and shipping safety in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The military retaliation began Tuesday (July 7) evening when US Central Command (CENTCOM) launched a wave of airstrikes targeting 80 military positions in Iran.

Washington stated the strikes were direct retaliation for Iranian attacks on commercial shipping vessels navigating the critical Strait of Hormuz chokepoint.

Tehran responded swiftly. On Wednesday (July 8) morning, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a barrage of missiles and drones, striking 85 US military sites across the Middle East.

The strikes hit key installations, including Port Salman and the US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, as well as the Ali Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait.

Speaking on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump declared that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) previously signed with Iran to end the conflict had expired.

"I think it is over. I do not want to deal with them anymore," Trump told reporters, signaling an end to diplomatic patience following the shipping attacks and stating that Washington's primary focus has shifted to Iran's complete denuclearization.

Despite the collapse of the agreement, Indonesia reiterated the importance of keeping diplomatic channels open to prevent further escalation that could jeopardize global maritime trade and regional stability.

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Translator: Nabil Ihsan, Yashinta Difa

Editor: M Razi Rahman

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