Modi Urges De-escalation as US Airstrikes on Iran Trigger Middle East Tensions

New Delhi: Regional tensions soared after the United States launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold a direct conversation with Iran’s newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday. Expressing grave concern, Modi called for restraint and a diplomatic path forward. “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 posted on social media platform X following the discussion. The airstrikes, confirmed by US President Donald Trump late Saturday, targeted key Iranian nuclear sites and were described as “massive precision” operations. Trump warned that further military action could follow if Iran did not pull back from confrontation. Iran, in a strong rebuke, condemned the strikes as a violation of international law and declared that it would continue its nuclear programme. The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) described the attacks as “savage aggression” and accused the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of failing to uphold global norms under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). “This action violates international regulations and occurred with the indifference—or even complicity—of the IAEA,” the AEOI stated. Meanwhile, Israel voiced its full support for the strikes. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Trump’s decision, stating it would “change history.” As the crisis deepens, world leaders are watching closely, with calls growing for diplomatic efforts to avoid a broader regional conflict.