Foreign Minister says President ready to mediate if Iran and the United States seek mediation

Jakarta — Foreign Minister Sugiono said President Prabowo Subianto is ready to act as mediator if Iran and the United States are willing to pursue mediation. ‘If both sides want (mediation), yes, the President is prepared to become the mediator. But if, for example, there is a view that there will be no further negotiations, we will return it to them,’ Sugiono told reporters at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Tuesday (3 March).

Sugiono said Indonesia’s readiness to become mediator depends on the will of both sides. He added that Indonesia places itself in a position to bridge differences and offers its readiness to help ease tensions. However, the decision to continue or reopen negotiations fully rests with the parties involved. ‘What is certain is that Indonesia wants to be in a position to be a bridge for the differences, offering our readiness, offering ourselves,’ he said.

Asked whether any party had approached the Iranian embassy about mediation in a press conference in Jakarta on Monday (2 March), Ambassador Boroujerdi noted that so far there have been no steps related to this, and that they do not know whether such steps would have an impact or not.

According to him, the governments of the two countries can engage in dialogue and interaction with Iran, but he could not say whether mediation could be possible.

On Saturday (28 February), Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Indonesia is ready to facilitate dialogue so that conditions of security and a conducive environment can be restored. ‘If approved by both sides, the Indonesian President is prepared to travel to Tehran to mediate,’ the statement said.