Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian amid mounting unrest in the Middle East. PM Modi discussed the conflict situation and expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives.
PM Modi also raised concerns regarding the safety and security of Indian nationals in Iran.
“Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure.The safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India’s top priorities. Reiterated India’s commitment to peace and stability and urged for dialogue and diplomacy,” PM Modi posted on X.
A broader Middle East conflict has erupted involving Iran, the United States, Israel and several Gulf states following joint US‑Israeli military strikes on Iran that killed its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The strikes, which began on February 28, targeted key Iranian sites and resulted in the death of Iran’s top leader as well as members of his family, according to state media and multiple reports.
Heavy fighting and regional expansion
In response, Iran launched a series of missile and drone attacks against US and Israeli targets across the region. Iranian forces and allied militias have carried out strikes on Gulf states and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz — a vital global oil transit route — effectively disrupting traffic through the chokepoint. This has contributed to a sharp rise in global oil prices and a severe energy supply shock.
Simultaneously, Israeli air operations have intensified in Lebanon, where strikes on Beirut and other areas have killed hundreds of people since March 2, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Recent tallies from health officials estimate at least around 634 people have been killed in the Lebanese campaign, with many more wounded and large numbers displaced by the fighting.
Mojtaba Khamenei’s stark warning
In his first public statement since assuming leadership, Mojtaba Khamenei — who succeeded his father as Iran’s Supreme Leader — vowed to avenge his father’s killing and maintain pressure on the US, Israel and their regional allies. He declared the Strait of Hormuz must remain closed as leverage and insisted that all US military bases in the region should be shut, or face further attacks.
Khamenei warned that Iran may open new fronts against its enemies if hostilities continue, signaling that the conflict could widen further. He framed his comments as a long‑term confrontation, underscoring Tehran’s determination to sustain military pressure across the Middle East.
