Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Indonesia Condemns US-Israel Attacks on Iran
Saudi Arabia’s newly appointed Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia, Faisal bin Abdullah Al-Amodi, has condemned attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran, as well as retaliatory strikes by Tehran against Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Speaking to media in Jakarta on Friday (13 March), Ambassador Faisal stated: “We know that firstly, attacks were launched by America and Israel against Iran. On this point, or on this occasion, the governments of the Gulf states generally, namely six countries, condemn the actions carried out by Israel.”
He emphasised that from the outset of the conflict, the Saudi Arabian government and Gulf states have made clear to Iran that they do not permit their territories to be used as bases for Iranian attacks.
However, Iran has proceeded with retaliatory strikes against Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, which has been targeted with attacks on various public facilities and other important political installations.
Ambassador Faisal stated that such actions contradict principles of good neighbourly conduct and violate international law and the principles adopted by the international community. In efforts to defuse tensions stemming from the conflict that impact Gulf states and other countries in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has exercised restraint and refrained from launching retaliatory strikes against Iran.
“Our position is clear: we do not engage in retaliatory attacks. We are responding with composure and are not inclined to launch counter-attacks against Iran,” he clarified.
Ambassador Faisal emphasised that the stability of Gulf states is not only beneficial to those nations themselves but is also closely linked to international stability across energy and food sectors. Instability in the region would significantly impact these sectors in countries worldwide.
The continuing escalation of conflict does not reflect efforts to end the war and restore stability in the Middle East. Consequently, the Saudi Arabian government has called upon the international community, including Indonesia, which is considered to have a significant role on the international stage, to demonstrate a clearer stance and position on the situation in the Middle East, including Iranian attacks on Gulf states.
“We are calling upon or requesting a clearer position, particularly from the Indonesian government, that attacks carried out by Iran against Gulf states are outside the bounds of law and contrary to principles of good neighbourly relations,” Ambassador Faisal stressed.
He expressed confidence that the Indonesian people also agree that Iran should not attack its brethren and fellow Muslim nations, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
Ambassador Faisal made these remarks following a joint Iftar dinner at the Saudi Arabian Embassy’s residence in Jakarta, which was also attended by representatives from Gulf states, including Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait.