FM Sugiono, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud Discuss Middle East De-escalation

Jakarta: Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono held a phone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Wednesday to discuss the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

“I spoke with His Excellency Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. The Indonesian government expressed deep concern over the latest escalation of conflict in the Middle East,” Sugiono said in a statement posted on his X account, quoted from Antara, Thursday, March 5, 2026.

He emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations in line with international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

“I also conveyed Indonesia’s continued support for de-escalation and called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint,” he added.

In a separate post on X, the Saudi Foreign Ministry confirmed the conversation, stating that the two ministers discussed recent regional developments and efforts to reduce tensions.

On Feb. 28, the United States and Israel launched a series of strikes on Iranian targets, including in Tehran, reportedly resulting in infrastructure damage and civilian casualties. Iran subsequently responded with missile attacks targeting Israeli territory and US military facilities in the region.

In response to the escalation, Indonesia called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and expressed readiness to help facilitate dialogue aimed at restoring regional stability.

President Prabowo Subianto, through the Foreign Ministry, also reiterated Indonesia’s willingness to support diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.