Prabowo Warns Against Underestimating Nuclear War Threat Amid Global Conflicts

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto expressed grave concern over the escalating global conflicts, warning that the threat of nuclear war is a danger that "cannot be underestimated." Speaking to business leaders and officials from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) in Jakarta on Friday, July 31, 2026, Prabowo described the current world situation as "very precarious."

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The danger of nuclear war cannot be underestimated, both in Ukraine and in the Middle East.

"Huge wars are happening everywhere," Prabowo stated, referencing the protracted conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which he suggested could outlast World War II. He also pointed to the worsening situation in the Middle East, including conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

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World War II lasted from September 1939 to mid-May 1945. Perhaps the war in Ukraine could last even longer than World War II.

Prabowo's concerns extended to the potential proliferation of nuclear weapons. He noted claims that Iran possesses nuclear arms and expressed worry that this could prompt other nations, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Egypt, to pursue similar capabilities. "If Saudi Arabia wants to have nuclear weapons, it is not impossible for the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Egypt to also want nuclear weapons," he said.

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The situation in Gaza, Lebanon, and the Middle East is even worse. In the Strait of Hormuz, Iran, the situation is far from over.

The president's remarks came during a meeting aimed at discussing economic improvements, with around 150 businesspeople and representatives from 38 provincial Kadin branches in attendance. This follows a previous informal gathering with Kadin members at his private residence.

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It is said that Iran already has nuclear weapons. Now Saudi Arabia also wants to have nuclear weapons. If Saudi Arabia wants to have nuclear weapons, it is not impossible for the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Egypt to also want nuclear weapons.