BRIN: Mediation in the Middle East must press the US and Israel to halt aggression

Is Mr. Prabowo ready for that?

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Dewi Fortuna Anwar, a researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), has said that the mediator’s role in the Middle East conflict should pursue negotiations to press the United States and Israel to halt aggression. ‘If mediating, then the aim should be to press the United States and Israel to stop their aggression. Now, is Mr. Prabowo ready for that?’ Dewi Fortuna said in Jakarta on Friday.

The BRIN Politics Research Centre researcher explained that in facing the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, countries interested in becoming mediators should talk to the US.

This is because Iran’s attacks on several neighbouring states are seen as a response to the US-Israel military operation against Iran on February 28.

‘We must be realistic here. If you want to mediate, you should talk to the United States to stop those assaults. Not talk to Tehran, because Tehran is a target and defending itself,’ she said.

On one hand, Iran’s attack is seen as violating its sovereignty. On the other, Tehran claims the move as a form of self-defence by targeting the country that hosts US military facilities.

Emphasising that Iran will always live side by side with its geographically close neighbours, the targets, Dewi Fortuna urged that negotiations be conducted with the US.

She assessed Washington’s ally countries as the most suitable to act as mediators, assuming US President Donald Trump would be more receptive to his allies’ opinions.

‘America can go home, but neighbouring countries cannot relocate; they are in a very difficult position. So, in this case, it is the American allies, and the Israeli allies, that can talk most with America. Israel is currently pleased, because that is what it is aiming for,’ Dewi said.

‘If both sides agree, Indonesia’s President (Prabowo Subianto) would be prepared to travel to Tehran to mediate,’ according to the Foreign Ministry.

The US-Israel attack on Iran occurred even though negotiations had previously been held in Geneva between Washington and Tehran, mediated by Oman, on the Iran nuclear issue.

Donald Trump stated that his troops launched a major military operation in Iran to protect the American people by eliminating a threat, which he claimed originated from alleged Iran nuclear weapons development.