Muzani: Whether Welcomed or Not, the Impact of Iran-Israel War Will Inevitably Affect Indonesia

JAKARTA – Ahmad Muzani, Chair of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), has characterised the escalating military situation in the Middle East resulting from Israeli and American attacks on Iran as deeply concerning.

“The situation is heating up and is highly unstable. We hope the impact will not be felt significantly within our country, but whether welcomed or not, the impact will certainly manifest,” he stated during a meeting at Masjid Agung Sunda Kelapa in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Monday, 2 March 2026.

“We must remain united and steadfast. National interests cannot be subordinated to egotistical motives or emotionally-driven thinking,” Muzani added.

According to Muzani, in the tradition of statecraft, even the most severe situations can be navigated effectively only if the people and government unite and work together to protect national interests and state sovereignty.

The conflict escalated after Israel launched attacks on Tehran on Saturday, 28 February 2026. Following the strikes, Israel closed its airspace and declared a state of emergency in anticipation of potential Iranian retaliation with drones and missiles.

According to The Guardian, Israel’s military spokesman stated that the strikes were a precautionary measure to eliminate threats to the nation.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported two explosions heard in Tehran, whilst the Associated Press (AP) indicated strikes occurred near the office of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

The United States was reportedly involved in the operations, according to American officials and other sources with knowledge of the operation. The strikes came as the US deployed a substantial naval and air force presence to the region to pressure Iran into reaching an agreement on its nuclear programme.

Iranian news agencies Tasnim and Fars have since confirmed the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, though no details regarding his death have been publicly released.

The conflict has continued to escalate, with Iran and Israel exchanging missile and fighter jet strikes. Iranian forces have also targeted American military installations across the Middle East.

Multiple explosions have been reported across various locations in Iran, with several Iranian missiles penetrating Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system and striking Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem.

As of Monday, 2 March 2026, the Iran-Israel conflict remains ongoing.