‘Did not initiate war’: In call with PM Modi, Iran President Pezeshkian calls on India-chaired Brics to play role in halting aggressions | India News
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezheshkian, during which Tehran called on the India-led BRICS grouping to play an independent role to “stop aggression” against Tehran amid the escalating crisis in the Middle East.This was the second conversation between the two leaders since tensions flared on February 28.In a statement, the Iranian Embassy in India said, “The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran held a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of India, during which they discussed and exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments in light of the continued military aggression of the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran.”Referring to India’s rotating chairmanship of BRICS, President Pezheshkian called on the group to “stop aggression against Iran and play an independent role in safeguarding regional and international peace and stability.”Iran’s president “highlighted the level of aggression, illegal attacks, and crimes committed by the Zionist regime, insisting that Iran did not start the war.” told Prime Minister Modi The attack, conducted under US President Donald Trump, noted that “the aggressor, without justification, logic or legal basis, launched a military attack against Iran during the ongoing nuclear negotiations, resulting in the martyrdom of several defenseless civilians, including the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, senior military commanders and innocent schoolchildren, as well as targeting public infrastructure”.Pezeshkian also alleged that the US had targeted Minab’s school and described it as one of the worst civilian casualties in the conflict.“The US has targeted the school in Minaber from its base in neighboring countries hosting military installations, resulting in the tragic martyrdom of 168 innocent schoolchildren,” the President said.Pezeshkian also rejected US claims that the military action was aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.According to the statement, he said that in several meetings attended by the Supreme Leader, “the late leader of the Islamic Revolution strongly opposed nuclear weapons and issued both administrative and religious directives prohibiting any move towards their development.” He also rejected accusations of portraying Iran as a source of regional instability, insisting instead that Israel “increases instability in countries including Lebanon, Gaza, Iran, Iraq and Qatar, under the pretext of maintaining security.”Iran’s president reiterated his country’s willingness to engage in dialogue with world leaders, including standing by the United Nations to verify and oversee its nuclear program. He described the actions of the US and Israel as “deeply inhumane and immoral” and strongly condemned them.The Iranian president also proposed the establishment of a regional security framework composed of West Asian countries, aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the region through regional cooperation without foreign interference. Expressing deeper concern over the escalating tensions, “Prime Minister Modi strongly condemned attacks on energy infrastructure, warning that such actions pose serious risks to global food and energy security as well as agricultural exports,” the statement said.Referring to his ongoing consultations with world leaders, the Prime Minister reiterated that “war serves no one’s interest and therefore, all parties should move towards peace as soon as possible,” it added.The Prime Minister emphasized the need to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz and maintain freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf, given their important role in global trade and energy supply.Also read: ‘Condemns attacks on critical infrastructure’: PM Modi speaks to Iran president, says ‘shipping lanes must remain open’Earlier, sharing details of the same conversation at X, PM Modi said, “condemns attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, which threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains.”“Reiterated the importance of protecting freedom of navigation and ensuring shipping lanes remain open and safe,” he added.The prime minister also praised Tehran’s support for Indian citizens, saying he “appreciated Iran’s continued support for the safety and security of Indian citizens in Iran.”The conversation comes amid fresh reports of a joint US-Israel strike on Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment facility. Iranian media said the site had been targeted again, although there were no immediate signs of a radioactive leak.Amid growing fears of an energy crisis, India has stepped up diplomatic engagement with Iran, focusing on ensuring the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies and the security of key shipping routes.The government has indicated that it prefers dialogue and diplomacy rather than joining US-led military efforts in the region.Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also spoke to his Iranian counterpart Syed Abbas Araghchi and “wished Navroz and Eid.”“Our conversation was about the latest developments in the conflict and its implications for the wider region,” Jaishankar posted on X.
