PM Modi Speaks With Iranian President, Urges 'Immediate De-Escalation, Dialogue And Diplomacy'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, on Sunday amid escalating conflict in West Asia. PM Modi posted on X, "We discussed in detail about 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."
Following the recent United States airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites, global reactions continue to pour in, with the United Kingdom expressing support for the operation while Iraq has strongly condemned it, calling for urgent de-escalation.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed the US action, describing Iran’s nuclear ambitions as a serious danger to international peace.
“Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security. Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat,” Starmer posted on X. He further emphasised the importance of regional stability, urging Tehran to pursue diplomatic dialogue. “The situation in the Middle East remains volatile, and stability in the region is a priority. We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis,” he added.
The UK leader’s endorsement comes after US President Donald Trump announced “massive precision” strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure on Saturday (local time), with a stern warning of further retaliation if peace efforts fail.
IAEA Confirms No Radiation Spike, Calls Emergency Meeting
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed that, so far, there has been no increase in off-site radiation following the strikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran, including the fortified Fordow enrichment site. In a statement released on Sunday, the agency noted, “Following attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran – including Fordow – the IAEA can confirm that no increase in off-site radiation levels has been reported as of this time. IAEA will provide further assessments on the situation in Iran as more information becomes available.”
Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the IAEA, announced that an emergency meeting of the agency’s Board of Governors would convene on Monday in response to the situation unfolding in West Asia.
Iran, Israel Escalate Conflict
The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI) condemned the strikes, asserting that the attacks were a breach of international law. “Early on Sunday morning, Iran’s nuclear sites were subjected to savage aggression—an act in violation of international laws, particularly the NPT,” the AEOI stated, adding that the offensive took place with the “indifference—and even complicity—of the International Atomic Energy Agency.”
The latest developments come amid intensifying hostilities between Israel and Iran, now in their ninth day. Israel’s military has launched renewed air assaults on Iranian military positions in western Iran. These retaliatory actions follow an earlier barrage of drone and missile attacks by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) under “Operation True Promise 3”, which targeted Israeli defence and energy infrastructure.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded the US-led strikes, calling President Trump’s decision “bold” and historically significant for targeting Iranian nuclear capabilities.
Iraq Decries Strikes, Warns of Regional Fallout
Iraq has issued a stern warning against continued US military operations, cautioning that such actions risk widespread regional destabilisation. In a statement, Iraqi government spokesperson Basim Alawadi said, “This military escalation constitutes a grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East and poses serious risks to regional stability.”
Alawadi further warned of “dangerous escalation with consequences that extend beyond the borders of any single state, threatening the security of the entire region and the world.” The statement concluded with an appeal for immediate de-escalation, stressing that “wars leave only destruction in their wake.”
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