Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the latest developments in West Asia, with both leaders emphasising the need for dialogue, diplomacy and lasting regional peace.
During the conversation, President Pezeshkian briefed Prime Minister Modi on the prevailing situation in the region and the way forward. Welcoming the recent understanding reached in West Asia, Modi reiterated India's consistent position that all issues should be resolved through peaceful dialogue and diplomatic engagement.
The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of sustained efforts to ensure long-term peace and stability in the region. He stressed the need to safeguard freedom of navigation and commercial shipping, particularly through the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on X, Modi said, "Spoke with the President of Iran, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, on the recent developments in West Asia. Welcomed the progress made in the negotiations and expressed hope that continued efforts will lead to lasting peace in the region. Reiterated the importance of freedom of navigation in the Hormuz Strait for India and the World."
The phone conversation comes amid preparations by the United States and Iran for another round of high-level talks in Doha, Qatar, aimed at easing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.
According to reports, Washington and Tehran have agreed to temporarily suspend military action against each other while negotiations continue. The discussions are expected to focus on maritime security, commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions and other pending issues.
The renewed diplomatic engagement follows weeks of heightened military tensions and is viewed as an effort to preserve the fragile peace achieved earlier this month.
According to Axios, the US and Iran have agreed to halt all "kinetic activity" during the talks. A senior US official told the publication that both sides had decided to suspend military operations, while another official said vessels would be allowed to move freely as technical-level discussions continue.
The meeting, initially planned in Switzerland to address Iran's nuclear programme, was shifted to Doha following fresh military exchanges over the weekend. The agenda has since been narrowed to resolving issues related to the Strait of Hormuz. US technical team head Nick Stewart is expected to participate in the discussions.