Prabowo Ready to Mediate Iran-US Dispute, JK: Good Intentions, but World Determined by America

JAKARTA — Former Vice Presidents Jusuf Kalla (JK) has commended President Prabowo Subianto’s intention to act as a mediator following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran on Saturday, 28 February 2026.

However, JK expressed doubts about the plan’s likelihood of success. “The intention behind the plan is good, but this is a situation that is far more complex,” JK said at his residence on Jalan Brawijaya Raya, Pulo, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, on Sunday, 1 March 2026.

“Even the Palestinian-Israeli conflict cannot be resolved; it is difficult to bring peace. Because this world is largely determined by the nature and influence of America,” he continued.

“We are simply not on equal footing with America. How can we mediate between unequal parties in negotiations under such circumstances?” he asserted.

Regarding the conflict’s impact on Indonesia, such as rising oil prices, JK believes the government must still anticipate the global situation, despite Indonesia’s distance from the Middle East region.

According to JK, the government must maintain stability by ensuring justice and balance for society. He warned that injustice and inequality can trigger social unrest.

“We hope Indonesia, particularly the government, will conduct fair governance and also provide good priorities for society to prevent situations like those occurring in other countries,” he said.

In related developments, Israel attacked Tehran, Iran, on Saturday morning, 28 February 2026. Following the attack, Israel closed its airspace and declared a state of emergency. According to The Guardian, Israel closed its airspace in anticipation of possible Iranian retaliation with drones and missiles.

An Israeli military spokesman stated the attack was a precautionary measure to eliminate threats to the country.