Prabowo phones Gulf leaders as Iran–Israel war escalates

Jakarta — Foreign Minister Sugiono said President Prabowo Subianto has carried out direct telephone communications with several Gulf leaders in the wake of the United States and Israel’s attacks on Iran. In a voice-recorded briefing in Jakarta on Wednesday, Sugiono stated that almost all crucial calls have been made by the President, amid the escalation of the armed conflict between Iran and Israel.

“Already, already telephoned the Gulf states. (All, yes) Already telephoned,” Sugiono said when asked which countries had been contacted by the President.

Sugiono said Indonesia’s contact with Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) of Saudi Arabia is still awaiting a suitable time. “Already telephoned and still waiting for MBS’s schedule; cannot set a time yet,” he added, without detailing the content of talks as they are inter-head-of-state communications.

This outreach follows growing concerns among Gulf states directly affected by the escalation, including threats to security and regional stability. Gulf states include Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.

Additionally, Sugiono noted that President Prabowo has expressed Indonesia’s readiness to act as mediator, especially if Iran and the United States express a willingness to open the mediation space.