India in touch with Israel, Iran as Middle East is on the brink of war

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday spoke to his counterparts in both Israel and Iran as tension in the Middle East escalated further, with the two countries launching fresh barrages of missiles at each other.

 

Jaishankar shared the update in two late-night posts on X.

 

In one post, the EAM wrote that he received a call from Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Sa'ar. Later, in another post, the EAM said he also had a telephonic conversation with Iran's Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi.

 

Earlier, in a statement, the External Affairs Ministry said India is "deeply concerned" over the recent developments between the two countries and is "closely monitoring" the evolving situation.

 

New Delhi also urged both nations to avoid any escalatory steps.

 

"We are deeply concerned at the recent developments between Iran and Israel. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation, including reports related to attacks on nuclear sites," the MEA said in the statement.

 

It further said the existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilised to work towards a de-escalation of the situation and resolving underlying issues.

 

The fresh wave of airstrikes on Saturday morning followed Israel’s biggest-ever offensive against Tehran on Friday in a bid to prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon, bringing the region to the brink of a war.

 

According to reports, air raid sirens sounded in both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, the two largest cities of Israel, in the wee hours of Saturday, prompting residents to seek shelters in bunkers.

 

"In the last hour, dozens of missiles have been launched at the state of Israel from Iran, some of which were intercepted," the Israeli military said.

 

It, however, did not mention casualties.

 

Meanwhile, several explosions were reported in Tehran, too, with some reports claiming that the city’s Mehrabad airport was hit by two projectiles.    

India