JAKARTA: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto expressed skepticism regarding the United States and Israel’s recent military campaign against Iran, labeling the conflict as asymmetrical and lacking rationality. In a Bloomberg interview, Prabowo stated he was surprised by the escalation following February 28 attacks that plunged the region into renewed conflict.
The offensive resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, succeeded by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei. Prabowo noted Tehran officials feel they were tricked twice by Washington, hindering diplomatic efforts.
Simultaneously, plans to deploy 1,000 Indonesian peacekeeping troops to Gaza under the US-led Board of Peace have been temporarily postponed. While facing domestic criticism, Prabowo insists Indonesia maintains neutrality, refusing military alliances while considering defense equipment purchases from China.