Foreign Minister Sugiono Visits Iran to Pay Respects to Khamenei
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono conducted a working visit to Mashhad, Iran, on Friday (10/7/2026). During the visit, Sugiono held a bilateral meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss strengthening relations between the two countries amidst regional dynamics.
The meeting coincided with the presence of the Indonesian delegation to pay final respects to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. The Indonesian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Sugiono, accompanied by the Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) and several religious figures.
During the meeting, Indonesia and Iran affirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations through enhanced cooperation in various priority sectors. The Indonesian government also encouraged the optimal utilisation of existing cooperation mechanisms to yield tangible benefits for the people of both nations.
Beyond bilateral issues, the two ministers exchanged views on regional and global developments. Both Indonesia and Iran emphasised the importance of resolving various conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, while respecting national sovereignty and international law.
The Indonesian delegation also included the Chairman of the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) and the Chairman of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah. The presence of these figures was described as part of a peace and solidarity mission, as well as a form of respect from the Indonesian people to the people of Iran.
While in Mashhad, the Indonesian delegation also met with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. The meeting discussed strengthening parliamentary diplomacy, increasing exchanges between legislative bodies, and developing people-to-people relations as a foundation of the Indonesia-Iran partnership.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the Iranian government officially invited Indonesia to pay final respects to the late Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei at the Imam Reza Shrine complex in Mashhad. The Indonesian delegation was the first official delegation to pay respects at the tomb.
According to the Ministry, the visit amidst the ongoing regional situation reflects the decades-long friendship between Indonesia and Iran. The visit was also seen as affirming the consistency of Indonesia’s free and active foreign policy in building partnerships with various countries and promoting peace, stability, and international cooperation.