JK Responds to President Prabowo's Intention to Mediate US-Israel Conflict with Iran

Jakarta – Former Vice President of Indonesia Jusuf Kalla (JK) has responded to President Prabowo Subianto’s intention to serve as a mediator in the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

JK expressed scepticism in Jakarta on Sunday, stating that it would be difficult for President Prabowo to effectively mediate the dispute between the US, Israel, and Iran.

JK’s assessment came following the conclusion of a reciprocal trade agreement between Indonesia and the United States. “Unfortunately, Indonesia has entered into an unbalanced agreement that is highly disadvantageous to Indonesia. With that alone, we are not on equal footing with the United States. How can we mediate between parties who are not equal in these circumstances?” JK remarked.

He further acknowledged that whilst Prabowo’s plan was well-intentioned, mediation remained extremely challenging. “The plan is good, but this is a situation that is far more serious and complex,” he said.

JK continued, “Even the Israel-Palestine conflict alone cannot be resolved and is difficult to reconcile, because this world is very much determined by America’s stance.”

This comes amid escalating regional tensions. Israel launched attacks against Iran on 28 February 2026. On the same occasion, US President Donald Trump stated that American military forces had begun large-scale combat operations in Iran. One of the joint US-Israeli operations involved seven rockets striking Tehran near the residence of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In response, Iran launched rocket attacks against Israel and various targets across Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that President Prabowo Subianto was prepared to travel to Iran to facilitate dialogue aimed at restoring a conducive security environment.

On 1 March 2026, the Iranian government confirmed the death of Ali Khamenei and declared a 40-day mourning period with one week of work suspension.