Jakarta. Iran's ambassador to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi, has called on Indonesia, as the world's largest Muslim-majority country, to play a crucial role in promoting peace in the Middle East by uniting Islamic nations against Israel's military aggression and advocating for solidarity with the people of Lebanon and Palestine.

"The Zionist regime has consistently violated international rights and norms, often acting against the advice of international authorities. Therefore, expecting peace-oriented behavior from the Zionist regime is unrealistic. Its actions over the years have shown that whenever it feels empowered, it engages in military aggression," Boroujerdi said in an exclusive interview with the Jakarta Globe.

A year has passed since the Israeli attack on Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023. The Palestinian death toll in Gaza has reached more than 42,000, with many victims being women and children.

"The ruthless actions of the Zionist regime over the past year are well known. The regime’s crimes against women, children, and civilians in Palestine and Lebanon expose its brutal nature. Such arguments merely serve to justify the regime’s continued violations of human and legal standards and human rights," he said.

He pointed out that Israel has initiated over 20 major conflicts in the region, often agreeing to ceasefires only when its position has weakened.

To counter this, Boroujerdi called for a united stance among Islamic countries, urging them to show solidarity with the people of Lebanon and Palestine. He suggested that these nations impose political and economic sanctions against Israel and utilize international and military pressure to hold it accountable for its actions.

"Iran’s actions in the region have shifted equations, with most regional nations now condemning the Israeli regime and aligning with Iran," he remarked.

He expressed gratitude to Indonesia for its condemnation of Israeli actions against Iran and called for decisive action from global countries and organizations to deter the Zionist regime’s warmongering. We extend our gratitude to the government, dignitaries, and people of Indonesia for condemning the actions of this regime against our nation," he said.

President Prabowo Subianto has reiterated Indonesia's full support for the Palestinian people's struggle for independence. Upholding principles of anti-colonialism, anti-oppression, and global solidarity, Indonesia continues to advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people amid the worsening conflict.

"We must stand in solidarity and defend oppressed peoples worldwide, which is why we support the independence of the Palestinian people," President Prabowo said in his first speech after taking office.

In his address, President Prabowo noted that the Indonesian government, under President Joko Widodo, has been actively providing humanitarian assistance to Palestine, including sending medical personnel to aid in Gaza and Rafah.

In a related development, South Africa's legal team recently delivered a nearly 5,000-page document to the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Other nations, including Palestine, Spain, Chile, and seven others, have petitioned the court to join the case.

Israel now has until July 2025 to respond.