Middle East De-escalation: PM Modi Urges Peace in Middle East: Talks with Iran’s President Amid US Strikes and Rising Tensions

Amid rising regional instability, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the urgent need for Middle East de-escalation during his recent conversation with Iranian President Pezeshkian, the newly elected President of Iran, to discuss the deteriorating security situation in the West Asia (Middle East) region. This diplomatic engagement comes on the heels of a dramatic intervention by the United States military, which conducted airstrikes on three Iranian sites, targeting facilities linked to Iran’s nuclear program—a move that experts warn could provoke a broader regional conflict.

In a statement shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi expressed "deep concern at the recent escalations", reiterating India’s long-standing position advocating immediate de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy as the only path forward to achieve regional peace, security, and stability. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) added that President Pezeshkian briefed PM Modi in detail about the unfolding situation and Iran’s perspective on the crisis.

President Pezeshkian described India as a "friend and partner" in fostering regional harmony and thanked Prime Minister Modi for India’s balanced stance. He acknowledged India's constructive voice as crucial in restoring calm in the region, especially at a time when tensions have spiked dangerously following the US involvement.

The US military strikes, conducted with B-2 stealth bombers and submarine-launched missiles, mark a significant escalation in the ongoing Israel-Iran confrontation. According to an AP report, the strikes aim to cripple Iran’s air defenses and nuclear enrichment infrastructure, as part of Israel’s broader strategy to neutralize perceived threats from Tehran. The US decision to join the offensive is being seen as a high-risk gambit, risking direct confrontation and potential spillover effects across the volatile region.

In parallel, the Indian Prime Minister also expressed gratitude for the continued support from Iran in ensuring the safe return and repatriation of Indian nationals amid the conflict. The leaders reaffirmed their mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across sectors such as trade, economic development, science and technology, and people-to-people ties—a diplomatic term referring to cultural and civilian interactions that deepen mutual understanding between nations.

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On the international front, world leaders have echoed India’s call for de-escalation. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Iran to enter into immediate negotiations with the US and Israel, asserting that “large parts of Iran’s nuclear programme have been damaged” in the recent strikes. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, while calling Iran's nuclear ambitions a “grave threat,” confirmed that although the UK was informed about the strikes, it did not participate militarily. Starmer, along with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, had earlier attempted to dissuade the US from directly joining Israel’s operations, favoring a diplomatic solution.

Meanwhile, Switzerland, known for its neutral stance and role as an international mediator, strongly urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint. The Swiss Foreign Ministry emphasized adherence to international law, the UN Charter, and international humanitarian law—a legal framework that regulates the conduct of armed conflict to protect civilians and infrastructure.

As tensions continue to rise, PM Modi’s outreach is seen as part of India’s larger strategic balancing act—maintaining cordial relations with key players across the Middle East while firmly promoting peace and diplomacy. His conversation with the Iranian President underscores India’s role as a responsible global actor and a potential mediator in a region teetering on the edge of war.

Defined Terms for Clarity:

• West Asia: Geopolitical term often used to refer to the Middle East, including countries like Iran, Iraq, Israel, and others.

• Nuclear Program: Iran's nuclear development activities, suspected by many nations to be aimed at developing nuclear weapons.

• Repatriation: The process of returning someone to their own country, often used during conflict or emergencies.

• De-escalation: The reduction of tension or hostility in a conflict.

• People-to-people ties: Cultural, educational, and social exchanges between citizens of different countries to strengthen bilateral relationships.

• International humanitarian law: A set of rules that seek to limit the effects of armed conflict on people and property.

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