Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation with newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday, urging restraint and a return to dialogue in light of mounting tensions in the Middle East following U.S. airstrikes on Iran.

With the Israel-Iran conflict now in its tenth day, PM Modi emphasized the need for immediate "de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy", underlining India’s stance on peaceful conflict resolution. “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,” Modi posted on social media platform X.

The region has witnessed a sharp uptick in hostilities after U.S. forces launched targeted strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, reportedly causing significant damage. This marked a major escalation and Washington’s direct entry into the Israel-Iran conflict.

Iran has responded with stern warnings. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei cautioned that U.S. involvement could lead to "irreparable damage," while the Iranian Foreign Ministry warned of the risk of a wider regional war if aggression continues.

The U.S. action followed Israeli strikes that have already resulted in the deaths of at least 865 people, including both civilians and members of Iran’s security forces.

As global concern grows over the potential for a broader conflict in the Middle East, India has positioned itself as a proponent of stability, urging all parties to exercise caution and pursue diplomatic channels.