Indonesia lays to rest peacekeepers killed in Lebanon, Prabowo condemns attacks

Indonesia received the bodies of three UN peacekeepers killed in southern Lebanon during Israel's invasion of the country. The soldiers, part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), died in separate incidents involving explosions, with one reportedly caused by Israeli tank fire. A ceremony was held in Indonesia attended by President Prabowo Subianto before the bodies were released to their families. Foreign Minister Sugiono stated that Indonesia seeks a thorough UN investigation into the deaths to ensure security guarantees for peacekeeping soldiers. UNIFIL also reported that three additional peacekeepers were wounded in a separate blast near Adeisse. The Indonesian government has promised financial support to the families of the deceased.

An Indonesian peacekeeper with the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was killed on Sunday when a projectile exploded near Adchit al-Qusayr in southern Lebanon. Another peacekeeper was critically injured, and three other Indonesian peacekeepers sustained injuries from indirect artillery fire. UNIFIL has launched an investigation to determine the origin of the projectile, which struck one of its positions. The area is the site of ongoing clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters. UNIFIL, which monitors hostilities along the demarcation line with Israel, has been caught in the crossfire between the two groups in recent years.

Two Indonesian peacekeepers with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were killed on Monday by a roadside explosion near Bani Hayyan in southern Lebanon, according to an initial UN investigation. A third peacekeeper was severely injured, and a fourth was also hurt. This incident follows the death of another Indonesian peacekeeper on Sunday from an explosive in Adchit Al Qusayr. UNIFIL has launched investigations into both incidents of unknown origin. The deaths occur amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with increased Israeli military activity in the area. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) denied responsibility for the Bani Hayyan explosion, stating no IDF troops were present. The UN has urged all parties to ensure the protection of peacekeepers.

The deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers in southern Lebanon have prompted calls for Indonesia to reassess its Middle East policy. Analysts and lawmakers are questioning the risks of overseas deployments in the region and the limits of diplomatic protection amid escalating conflict. The incidents, which also injured five other peacekeepers, have led to pressure on Indonesia to intensify diplomatic efforts and seek accountability from Israel. There are also calls to evaluate Indonesia's membership in the Board of Peace, which includes Israel, and its plan to send troops to Gaza as part of a US-led stabilization force. Indonesia's Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks on the UNIFIL, citing a deteriorating security environment due to Israeli military operations.

Amidst the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, a Hezbollah attack on Sunday killed at least one person in northern Israel, marking the first such death from Lebanese fire since the conflict began. Hezbollah claimed responsibility, stating they targeted Israeli soldiers in Misgav Am with rockets. This attack occurred as Israel increased its troop presence in southern Lebanon, where the conflict has resulted in over 1,000 deaths and displaced a million people. In response, the Israeli Defence Minister ordered the military to expedite the demolition of Lebanese homes and bridges in southern Lebanon, citing the need to eliminate threats to Israel. The escalating conflict was triggered by a Hezbollah cross-border attack on March 2, following the start of the US-Israel war on Iran.

On Sunday, an Israeli civilian was killed near the Lebanese border, with initial reports indicating a rocket from Lebanon was the cause. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for an attack on Israeli soldiers in the same area. However, the Israeli military is investigating the possibility that the fatal fire originated from its own forces. In response, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the destruction of bridges over Lebanon's Litani River, alleging their use by Hezbollah, and an increase in the demolition of houses. The investigation is ongoing to determine the precise cause of the civilian's death.

Tensions are escalating between Iran and Israel. Recently, Iranian missiles struck two communities in southern Israel, injuring dozens and damaging buildings in Dimona and Arad. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on the international community to join the US and Israel against Iran. Israel has also targeted infrastructure in Lebanon, destroying a bridge over the Litani River amidst renewed conflict with Hezbollah. Amidst these events, Iran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz.

Following "good and productive conversations" with Tehran, former President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he has ordered the US military to postpone strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days. This decision comes after Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran on Saturday, demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz or face obliteration of its power plants. Iran threatened to close the strait, a critical oil transit point, and retaliate against energy facilities in Israel and Gulf countries. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that if the US attacked, they would target power plants supplying US bases and economic infrastructure where Americans have shares. Iran also threatened to mine Gulf shipping routes if its southern coast was attacked.

At a G7 gathering outside Paris, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and European diplomats clashed over the wars in Ukraine and Iran. Rubio criticized European reluctance to assist in the Strait of Hormuz, referencing the US support for Ukraine. European nations, led by Germany and France, expressed irritation, citing a lack of a clear request from the US and legal constraints regarding involvement in the Strait of Hormuz. While planning for a defensive mission in the Strait of Hormuz is underway among willing partners, European nations emphasized that the conflict is not theirs and they do not want to be entangled in it. The G7 bloc consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

In March 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to attend a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in France. The purpose of Rubio's visit is to garner support for potential military action against Iran. This effort comes after President Donald Trump has reportedly strained relationships with allies through recent insults. Rubio faces the challenge of convincing skeptical G7 diplomats of the necessity of war with Iran, despite the damaged diplomatic landscape. The meeting takes place as tensions remain high in the region.

In March 2026, Iranian missiles struck the Israeli cities of Dimona and Arad, injuring at least 180 people and damaging buildings. The strikes followed an earlier attack on Iran's Natanz nuclear enrichment facility, for which Israel denied responsibility. Israel's military reported that its air defense systems failed to intercept the missiles, marking the first time Iranian missiles penetrated defenses near Israel's nuclear research center located approximately 20km from Dimona. The UN nuclear watchdog stated it had not received reports of damage to the Israeli center or abnormal radiation levels. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that such strikes posed a "real risk of catastrophic disaster throughout the Middle East".

According to sources, Donald Trump approved a joint US-Israeli operation against Iran after a phone call with Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu reportedly urged Trump to authorize a "decapitation strike" targeting Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his key lieutenants, who were believed to be meeting in Tehran. Netanyahu argued this was a unique opportunity to eliminate Khamenei and retaliate for alleged Iranian plots to assassinate Trump, including a 2024 murder-for-hire scheme. The intelligence suggesting the meeting had been moved forward prompted Netanyahu to push for the strike, despite Trump's previous opposition to such military interventions. The operation was approved less than 48 hours before its commencement.

Following a G7 meeting in France on March 27, 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed reporters regarding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio denounced Iran's potential tolling system in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it illegal and dangerous, and reiterated President Trump's call for international cooperation to secure the waterway, a critical passage for global oil supply. He urged G7 members and Asian countries to contribute to this effort. Rubio also spoke against settler violence in the occupied West Bank. The Strait of Hormuz, prior to the US and Israel's war against Iran, saw approximately 20% of the world's liquid petroleum supply pass through it daily.

On Saturday, an Iranian missile struck Dimona, an Israeli town housing a nuclear facility, while a second missile hit Arad. The Israeli military confirmed a direct hit on a building in Dimona, despite the use of air defense interceptors. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed continued strikes against Iran following what he described as a "very difficult evening," referencing the missile strikes that wounded scores of people. Iranian state television claimed the missile attack on Dimona was a retaliatory response to an earlier strike on Iran's nuclear site at Natanz. The extent of the damage in Dimona included a large crater, rubble, and damaged surrounding buildings.

On March 21, 2026, Iran struck the Israeli cities of Dimona, home to a key nuclear facility, and nearby Arad, wounding at least 180 people. The Iranian government stated the missile strikes were retaliation for an earlier attack on its Natanz nuclear enrichment complex. Israeli officials reported that air defense systems were activated but failed to intercept all missiles. The attack marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance, which has been ongoing for four weeks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue attacking Iran in response.

Iran launched a missile attack on the Israeli town of Dimona, near a nuclear facility, claiming it was retaliation for an alleged Israeli strike on its Natanz nuclear site. The Israeli military confirmed a direct missile hit on a building in Dimona, resulting in injuries and damage. Iran accused the US and Israel of targeting the Natanz enrichment complex, while Israel stated it struck a facility in Tehran linked to nuclear weapon development. The UN nuclear watchdog chief called for military restraint to prevent a nuclear accident. The United Arab Emirates also reported aerial attacks after Iran warned against allowing attacks from its territory.

Amidst a conflict involving the US and Israel, Iran has stated that Japanese ships will be permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz. This announcement follows earlier threats from the IRGC to block the waterway to enemy vessels, effectively halting traffic. According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the strait remains open to non-hostile nations, and Iran is willing to provide safe passage to Japanese ships upon request and coordination. Japan relies heavily on the Strait of Hormuz for its crude oil imports from the Middle East. Recently, some ships from countries like China, India, and Pakistan have been allowed to pass through the strait, using a "safe corridor" near the Iranian coastline.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran is willing to help Japanese ships safely navigate the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil shipments. Araghchi clarified that the strait remains open, though restrictions have been placed on vessels from countries involved in attacks against Iran. He emphasized that Iran is seeking a complete end to the war, not just a ceasefire. Japan relies heavily on Middle Eastern oil, with most of it passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi mentioned ongoing discussions with Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi regarding navigation through the strait, but details were not disclosed.

South Korea faces a difficult situation as Iran leverages the Strait of Hormuz amid regional tensions. Iran's actions, including potentially restricting passage, create a dilemma for South Korea, which relies on Middle Eastern oil. While South Korea depends on the US for security and uses the US dollar for trade, Iran is pushing for yuan-based energy purchases as a condition for passage through the Strait. This situation puts South Korea in a bind, as it is hesitant to jeopardize its relationship with the US while also needing access to vital oil supplies. Experts suggest that breaking away from the US-led trade network is unrealistic for South Korea, despite the rising costs.