WNAM MONITORING: Indonesia called on the US and Israel to cease attacks on Iran and urged Tehran to avoid targeting neighboring Gulf countries as tensions escalate across the Middle East.
“Indonesia reiterates the obligation of all parties to uphold the principles of international law, in particular the prohibition on the use of force against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states,” the Indonesian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Monday.
A ministry official told the Jakarta Globe that 32 Indonesian citizens evacuated from Iran are expected to arrive in Jakarta on Tuesday after reaching Baku, Azerbaijan, where they are undergoing medical checks before continuing their journey home.
Separately, Seoul’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun called for cooperation to ensure stable energy supplies to South Korea as well as the safe return of South Korean citizens amid the conflict, during a phone call with his Qatari counterpart Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani on Monday, according to Yonhap News Agency.
Cho expressed concern and offered condolences over damage to civilians, civilian facilities, and energy infrastructure in Qatar and other Gulf countries, Seoul’s Foreign Ministry said.
Neighboring Asian countries have undertaken similar evacuations. The Philippines evacuated 11 nationals from Iran, Inquirer Global Nation reported, while Malaysia and Thailand have also coordinated repatriations.
Japan’s Prime Minister’s Office said it will operate one chartered flight each from the Saudi capital Riyadh and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow welcomed the first group of 29 Thai nationals evacuated from Iran via Turkey, who arrived safely at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Sunday.
The operation is ongoing, with a second group of 23 people scheduled to arrive on March 10, followed by a third group of around 75 nationals, mostly students, who will travel by road from Tehran and Qom to the Turkish border before flying back to Thailand on March 11, the ministry said in a statement quoted by local daily The Nation.
Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,200 people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, over 150 schoolgirls, and senior military officials.
Iran has retaliated with sweeping barrages that have targeted US bases, diplomatic facilities, and military personnel across the region, as well as multiple Israeli cities. At least seven US service members have been killed.
