Iran–US Conflict Widens, Watch Oil Price Impacts and the Fate of Indonesian Citizens in the Middle East
Escalation in the Middle East has entered a new and troubling phase after nuclear talks in Geneva stalled. The United States, with backing from Israel, launched air strikes on a number of strategic Iranian cities, including Tehran, in late February 2026. The attacks reportedly caused casualties among prominent figures and civilians. Iran quickly retaliated by bombing US military bases and infrastructure in Gulf states such as Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The campaign has put maritime and air logistics routes, as well as energy facilities, in a danger zone.
In response, Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives Lestari Moerdijat warned that the conflict is the result of a long arc of discordant relations. She explained that bilateral dynamics between the two countries have long been trapped in cycles of economic sanctions, regional proxy conflicts, and the unresolved nuclear programme. The recent diplomatic failure in Geneva was cited as a trigger for what is now the region’s most significant security crisis.
Rerie warned that the war’s economic impact would be felt directly in Indonesia. As a net importer of oil, Indonesia depends heavily on stable energy supplies from the Middle East. “It is not an exaggeration to pay special attention. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz would disrupt global energy supplies, and Indonesia should act quickly to prepare for this,” she added.
In the face of shelling and nuclear threats, protecting Indonesian citizens remains a non-negotiable priority. Given the sizeable Indonesian population in the Middle East, the government is urged to promptly implement maximum protection protocols.
The forum emphasised that beyond economic mitigation, Indonesia must stay true to its constitutional mandate to play an active role in world peace. The humanitarian crisis wrought by the conflict requires firm yet objective diplomacy to prevent broader escalation. With global uncertainty rising, Indonesia must strengthen national energy resilience while ensuring the safety of all its citizens in conflict zones.
The idea of Indonesia becoming a mediator in the Iran–United States–Israel conflict is seen as having constitutional footing, but faces significant geopolitical challenges.
More than 3,400 flights were cancelled and 300,000 passengers stranded due to the Iran conflict and airspace closures across the Middle East. See the latest at Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi airports.
Member of Parliament Commission VIII, Maman Imanul Haq, urged the government, via the Indonesian Embassy in the region, to take emergency steps.
Indonesian economy analyst Rizal Taufikurahman of Indef assessed a relatively high probability of rupiah weakness at the start of trading as the Iran–Israel–United States conflict intensifies. The UN Security Council is holding an emergency meeting to discuss the attack on Iran; UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of risks to regional stability.