New Delhi (India) July 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, where the President provided him with updates on the latest developments in West Asia following the recent agreement to de-escalate regional tensions.
India Backs Dialogue to Resolve Conflicts
PM Modi expressed his pleasure at the breakthrough between Tehran and Washington, restating India's long-held policy that the solution for all problems must be found through talks and dialogue.
He said, "Spoke with the President of Iran, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, on the recent developments in West Asia. Welcomed the progress made in the negotiations and expressed hope that continued efforts will lead to lasting peace in the region. Reiterated the importance of freedom of navigation in the Hormuz Strait for India and the World,” on social media platform X.
Freedom of Hormuz Navigation Stressed
Modi also highlighted the necessity for sustained efforts to achieve enduring peace and stability in West Asia. Underscoring India’s concerns regarding global trade, Modi emphasized the imperative to preserve freedom of navigation in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global commerce and energy supplies.
Iran Invites Modi for Khamenei Funeral
Prior to this, Iran had extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to attend the funeral services of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had been killed in a US-Israeli strike amid the ongoing conflict.
India is scheduled to be represented at the funeral ceremonies by Bihar Governor Lieutenant General (Retd.) Syed Ata Hasnain and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita. Iranian authorities announced that the public farewell ceremony would commence at 6 a.m. on July 4 at the Imam Khomeini Grand Prayer Grounds in Tehran.
US-Iran Talks Face Renewed Military Tensions
The conversation took place at a critical juncture for the current US-Iran negotiations. Washington and Tehran had signed a memorandum of understanding, which stipulated the lifting of Iran’s restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, a withdrawal of US military assets from the region, sanctions relief, and a 60-day timeframe for resolving outstanding issues concerning Iran's nuclear program.
This was followed by a formal meeting between the US, Iran, and mediators Qatar and Pakistan in Switzerland on June 21 and 22. However, that agreement came under strain after US forces launched airstrikes on Iranian military targets, citing Tehran's attacks on commercial shipping in the strait, including a drone attack on an oil tanker. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps retaliated by striking US military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait.
US President Donald Trump issued a warning of further military action if the strikes continued, while Iranian officials stated that any further US action could lead to the complete cessation of negotiations.