PBNU Chairman Meets US Ambassador to Discuss Escalation of War in the Middle East

The Chairman of the Executive Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), KH Yahya Cholil Staquf, held a meeting with the Chargé d’Affaires ad Interim of the US Embassy, Peter M. Haymond, in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (1/4/2026). This meeting is part of a series of marathon diplomatic efforts by PBNU to promote de-escalation of the conflict in the Middle East involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.

Accompanied by PBNU Chairman Ulil Abshar Abdalla and Deputy Secretary-General M. Najib Azca, Gus Yahya sought Washington’s views on the latest situation in the conflict zone and possible steps towards peace.

“War is a humanitarian disaster; we must choose dialogue and diplomacy as a means to resolve conflicts between parties,” said Gus Yahya during the meeting.

In the discussion, Peter Haymond revealed the reasons behind the United States’ support for Israel’s military actions. According to him, there is a serious security threat from Iran to Israel and US allies in the region.

Haymond expressed concern that if offensive measures are not taken, dangerous weapons, including those developed by the Iranian government such as nuclear ones, could potentially fall into the hands of extremist groups or terrorists. Nevertheless, he claimed that the US government is still seeking a way out to stop the war.

“However, the US government also wants to ensure security guarantees for its country and its main allies, including Islamic countries in the Middle East and Israel,” Haymond stated.

Gus Yahya critically questioned the contradiction in US policy, which claims to seek peace but is instead deploying large numbers of troops to the Middle East. This move is perceived by the public as preparation for a large-scale ground attack on Iranian territory.

In response, Haymond described the troop deployment as merely a precautionary measure. He argued that it is prepared to face the worst-case scenario if diplomatic channels fail.

Furthermore, Gus Yahya affirmed the position of Indonesian Muslims, particularly Nahdlatul Ulama members, who deeply regret the occurrence of the war. He highlighted the numerous casualties and the adverse economic and social impacts felt globally.

This diplomacy at the US Embassy marks the third point in PBNU’s peace safari series, following Gus Yahya’s meetings with Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Boroujerdi on 27 March and Saudi Arabian Ambassador Sheikh Faisal Abdullah Al-Amudi on 31 March.