BPIP Expert Council: Middle East Peace Requires Long-Term Diplomatic Commitment

The agreement between the United States and Iran is seen as opening new opportunities for stability in the Middle East. However, ongoing geopolitical dynamics mean the prospects for regional peace are not yet fully secure from challenges. Darmansjah Djumala, an expert council member of the Pancasila Ideology Development Agency (BPIP) for Foreign Relations Strategy, assessed that the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran on 17 June 2026 marks an important development after years of tension between the two nations. Darmansjah stated that the willingness of both countries to return to dialogue demonstrates that diplomacy remains the most effective instrument for resolving international conflicts. “This agreement provides new hope for efforts to create peace and stability in the Middle East. After so long with relations marked by tension, this diplomatic step shows there is room for conflict resolution through dialogue,” Darmansjah said in a statement on Tuesday (23/6/2026). The former Indonesian Ambassador to Austria and the United Nations explained that the agreement holds several significant meanings for the region. Besides potentially reducing tensions that have been a source of instability in the Middle East, the MoU could also restore international confidence in diplomacy as a mechanism for resolving interstate disputes. According to Darmansjah, the agreement also opens opportunities for a more constructive relationship between the two countries, which could ultimately encourage political and security stability in the Gulf region and the wider Middle East. Nevertheless, Darmansjah cautioned that the implementation of the agreement still faces various challenges. One is the ongoing conflict dynamics in the region, including rising tensions in Southern Lebanon. “The US-Iran agreement does offer a glimmer of hope, but do not expect too much that peace will be realised immediately. The regional security dynamics remain very complex. Continuing aggression could hamper the diplomatic process being built,” he said. The international relations academic from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Padjadjaran University assessed that the escalation of conflict in Southern Lebanon could trigger a chain reaction in the region. Iran may face domestic and regional pressure to increase support for its affiliated groups. On the other hand, the United States also faces the challenge of balancing its diplomatic commitment to Iran with its strategic relationship with Israel. Therefore, Darmansjah stressed that the success of the agreement’s implementation depends heavily on the ability of all parties to restrain conflict escalation and create a more conducive regional environment. “Peace in the Middle East cannot be built solely through bilateral agreements. A shared commitment is needed to prioritise diplomacy, restrain the use of military force, and create sustainable regional stability,” he said. Darmansjah stated that this view is in line with the values upheld by Indonesia in international relations, namely prioritising peaceful conflict resolution, respect for humanity, and efforts to achieve world peace. Through various studies and strategic thinking, BPIP continues to encourage the strengthening of diplomacy as the primary instrument in building a peaceful and civilised world order. This effort is in line with the mandate of the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, which affirms Indonesia’s commitment to participate in implementing world order based on freedom, lasting peace, and social justice.