Jakarta: Indonesia has called on the United States and Israel to cease their military strikes on Iran and has urged Tehran to refrain from targeting neighboring Gulf countries, as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry emphasized the necessity for all involved parties to adhere to international law principles, specifically the prohibition against using force against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. A statement from the ministry on Monday reiterated these obligations amidst the escalating conflict.
A ministry official informed the Jakarta Globe that 32 Indonesian citizens have been evacuated from Iran and are anticipated to arrive in Jakarta on Tuesday. The evacuees are currently in Baku, Azerbaijan, undergoing medical checks before their journey home.
In a related development, South Korea's Foreign Minister, Cho Hyun, has advocated for cooperation to ensure stable energy supplies and the safe return of South Korean citizens amid the ongoing conflict. During a phone call with his Qatari counterpart, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Cho expressed concerns and conveyed condolences over the damage inflicted on civilians, civilian facilities, and energy infrastructure in Qatar and other Gulf nations.
Similarly, other Asian countries have initiated evacuation efforts. Inquirer Global Nation reported that the Philippines evacuated 11 nationals from Iran, while Malaysia and Thailand have also organized repatriations. Japan's Prime Minister's Office announced plans to operate chartered flights from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow welcomed the first group of 29 Thai nationals who were evacuated from Iran via Turkey and arrived safely at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sunday. The operation is ongoing, with additional groups scheduled to arrive in the coming days, as stated by the ministry and reported by local daily The Nation.
The regional tensions have escalated following the US and Israel's large-scale assault on Iran on February 28, which resulted in the death of over 1,200 individuals, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, numerous schoolgirls, and senior military officials. In retaliation, Iran has launched significant attacks targeting US bases, diplomatic facilities, and military personnel throughout the region, as well as several Israeli cities, resulting in the deaths of at least seven US service members.