Jakarta, July 26 -- Former Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla has called on Islamic countries to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 8th Islamic Congress here on Sunday, Kalla expressed regret over the renewed tension in the Middle East, particularly following the breakdown of talks between Iran and the United States.

"We deeply regret the escalating conflict. We were initially pleased that an agreement had been reached between Iran and the United States, but it fell through, and the conflict has only widened," he said.

As chairman of the Indonesian Mosque Council (DMI), Kalla emphasized that Arab and Muslim-majority nations must play an active role in e...