Prabowo phones Gulf leaders after US-Israel attack on Iran

JAKARTA, Kompas.com - President Prabowo Subianto has contacted the leaders of Gulf states in the wake of the escalating confrontation between Israel and the United States (US) and Iran, which is affecting Middle East countries.

“Yes, we have phoned the Gulf states. All have been contacted; the remaining one is arranging a time with Mohammed bin Salman (MBS); the others have already,” said Sugiono at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta, on Tuesday 3 March 2026.

Known to be among the Gulf states are Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.

“The timing hasn’t been found yet. It’s not that it’s not possible,” he said briefly.

Nevertheless, Sugiono did not disclose the contents of the telephone conversations between the head of state and the Gulf leaders. He merely said the communications were, like other communications between leaders. “Yes, the communication is head-of-state communication,” Sugiono said.

The attack occurred as nuclear talks held in Geneva, Switzerland between the US and Iran reached a deadlock.

Israel was the first to confirm that it had officially attacked Iran.

Shortly afterwards, US President Donald Trump formally announced that the United States was joining Israel in attacking Iran.

The fighting between Israel and the United States against Iran was marked by missiles raining down on Tehran.

Iran retaliated by firing a number of missiles at locations linked to US military operations.

Several US air bases attacked included Al Udeid in Qatar, Al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al-Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, and the Fifth Fleet Headquarters in Bahrain.

Iran also closed the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most vital oil-export channel, linking Gulf oil producers such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.