New Delhi | June 22 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed India’s deep concern over escalating tensions in West Asia during a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, calling for immediate de-escalation and a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
The conversation came just hours after the United States carried out airstrikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan—in what it described as a targeted operation against Iran’s strategic capabilities, further intensifying the conflict between Iran and Israel.
“We discussed in detail about the current situation. Expressed deep concern at the recent escalations,” Modi said in a social media post. “Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability.”
The US airstrikes, conducted using B-2 bombers, prompted sharp international responses and fears of a wider regional conflict. US President Donald Trump described the Iranian nuclear facilities as having been “completely and totally obliterated.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the attacks, calling them a “grave violation” of international law, the UN Charter, and the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. “The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences,” he said, warning that Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty.
The European Union, while expressing alarm, appealed for restraint. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said, “I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation.” The EU foreign ministers are expected to hold an emergency discussion on the crisis on Monday.
The United Kingdom and several other nations echoed the calls for calm and restraint, though major powers China and Russia are yet to officially react to the developments.
As the region braces for potential fallout, India’s message adds to growing global pressure to halt the slide into a broader conflict.
