Jakarta, July 9 -- Indonesia urged the United States and Iran to exercise maximum restraint and pursue de-escalation following a series of retaliatory military strikes between the two countries in the Middle East.

"Indonesia emphasizes that all parties must maintain restraint and avoid actions that could worsen the situation," Foreign Ministry's spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang stated at a media briefing in Jakarta on Thursday.

Yvonne noted that Indonesia continues to encourage both parties to prioritize dialogue, halt hostilities and return to the negotiating table within a framework that respects international law.

According to the ministry, resuming the peace process between the US and Iran is critical to maintaining regional security...