Islamabad: Indonesia welcomed as “encouraging” Saturday the planned talks between the US and Iran in the Pakistani capital after the South Asian nation brokered a two-week ceasefire, urging the two sides to advance a “sustainable solution” to the Middle East conflict.
According to Anadolu Agency, Foreign Ministry spokesman Vahd Nabyl expressed Indonesia’s optimism about the development, emphasizing that it helps to maintain open communication channels and fosters an environment conducive to diplomacy. Jakarta views this as a positive initial step and encourages all parties involved to consolidate efforts toward de-escalation and advance a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Vahd Nabyl urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, and prioritize dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the situation. The Islamabad Talks follow Pakistan’s success in securing a 14-day ceasefire early Wednesday, which halted 39 days of fighting initiated by the US and Israel on February 28, resulting in over 3,000 casualties, including the death of then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The conflict also claimed the lives of at least 13 US servicemen and left dozens more wounded. The ceasefire was achieved through extensive back-channel diplomacy involving Pakistan, Trkiye, China, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The US is represented at the talks by Vice President JD Vance, while the Iranian delegation is led by Parliament Speaker Bagher Qalibaf. The talks are anticipated to commence later Saturday as Air Force Two, carrying Vance and the US delegation, is yet to arrive in Pakistan.
Vahd Nabyl also condemned Israel’s continued attacks on Beirut and other areas in Lebanon, warning that such actions could jeopardize the current momentum for de-escalation and diplomacy. He highlighted that these attacks constitute serious violations of international law and international humanitarian law, posing risks of further exacerbating regional tensions and undermining both regional and global security.
Indonesia, Nabyl added, underscores the potential broader implications of continued escalation in the region, which could affect regional stability, maritime security, and global energy resilience.