New Delhi: In the wake of recent US military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today held a detailed conversation with Iranian President H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing India’s “deep concern” over the escalating situation in the region. The call underscores India’s consistent appeal for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy amidst a rapidly deteriorating security landscape.
The US launched “very successful” attacks on three key Iranian nuclear facilities – Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan – on Sunday, June 22, 2025. President Donald Trump, in a statement, claimed the strikes aimed at “obliterating” Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity. This unprecedented direct military intervention by the US has dramatically heightened tensions, with Iran vowing retaliation and firing missiles at Israel in response.
Regional and international reactions have been swift and largely condemnatory of the escalation. The UN Secretary-General has voiced “grave alarm,” warning of “catastrophic consequences” if the conflict spirals out of control. Several Arab nations in the Gulf have urged restraint, fearing broader implications for their own stability and vital oil infrastructure. Concerns also loom over the potential disruption of critical shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for a significant portion of global oil trade.
In his conversation with President Pezeshkian, Prime Minister Shri Modi reiterated India’s long-standing position that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable path forward for ensuring long-term regional peace, security, and stability. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister stated, “Spoke with President of Iran @drpezeshkian. We discussed in detail about the current situation. Expressed deep concern at the recent escalations. Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability.”
India’s outreach comes at a critical juncture. While maintaining robust ties with both Israel and Iran, India has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution to regional conflicts. The current escalation poses significant challenges to India’s strategic interests, particularly concerning energy security and the well-being of the large Indian diaspora in the Gulf region. Recent reports have highlighted India’s delicate balancing act in the Israel-Iran conflict, emphasizing the need to safeguard its economic and strategic stakes in West Asia.
President Masoud Pezeshkian, who assumed office in July 2024, has been described as a reformist, though his foreign policy stances are largely aligned with the status quo, including continued support for the “Axis of Resistance.” His recent actions include presiding over Iranian strikes on Israel in October 2024.
As the situation remains fluid and highly volatile, the international community watches with bated breath, hoping for diplomatic breakthroughs to prevent a full-blown regional conflagration. India, through its persistent calls for dialogue, aims to play a constructive role in de-escalating the crisis and promoting stability in the crucial Middle East region.