Modi Calls Iran President, Says Diplomacy Is The Way Forward

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed deep concern at the escalation of hostilities between Iran and Israel and called for dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and stability during a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday.

- Rezaul H Laskar

NEW DELHI:

Pezeshkian called Modi hours after the US bombed three Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan—with US President Donald Trump describing the strikes as a "spectacular military success" and warning against Iranian retaliation. The US strikes came as the Iran-Israel conflict entered its tenth day.

Modi said in a social media post that he and Pezeshkian had a detailed discussion on 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," he said.

People familiar with the matter said the Iranian side thanked India for its call for de-escalation and said New Delhi's role is important for restoring regional peace and stability.