Iranian President Calls for Constructive BRICS Role to Halt West Asia Conflict in Talks with PM Modi
In a significant diplomatic exchange, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian engaged in a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, urging the BRICS bloc to adopt a more proactive and independent stance in addressing the escalating conflict in West Asia. The discussion, which took place against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, centered on the need for collective action to de-escalate hostilities and ensure global stability.
Emphasis on BRICS Leadership and Regional Security
President Pezeshkian highlighted India's rotating presidency of BRICS for the current year, calling on the group to leverage its influence to halt aggressions against Iran and safeguard peace. He emphasized that BRICS should play a constructive role in ending the conflict, referencing recent military developments and Iran's position on the matter. The Iranian leader underscored the urgency of preventing further escalation and proposed the establishment of a regional security framework led by West Asian countries, aimed at fostering cooperation without external interference.
In a statement from the Iranian Embassy in India, Pezeshkian outlined prerequisites for peace, stating, "A prerequisite for ending the war and conflict in the region is the immediate cessation of aggressions by the US and Israel, along with guarantees against their recurrence in the future." He detailed what he described as unlawful attacks by the US and Israel, including a strike on a school in Minab that resulted in the deaths of 168 innocent schoolchildren, asserting that Iran did not initiate the conflict and that such actions lacked justification.
Rejection of US Allegations and Nuclear Concerns
President Pezeshkian firmly rejected claims by the US President that strikes were aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He reiterated Iran's longstanding opposition to nuclear weapons, noting that Supreme Leader directives have consistently prohibited any move toward their development. He dismissed US portrayals of Iran as a source of instability, instead accusing Israel of carrying out attacks and assassinations across multiple countries, including Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq, and Qatar, under the guise of security.
PM Modi's Response and Regional Concerns
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Eid and Nowruz greetings to President Pezeshkian during the call, while expressing deep concerns over recent developments affecting regional stability. In a post on X, Modi conveyed hopes for peace, stability, and prosperity in West Asia amid the escalating conflict. He strongly condemned attacks on critical infrastructure, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to regional stability and disrupt global supply chains.
Modi also highlighted the importance of maritime security, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, reiterating India's stance on safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure. He appreciated Iran's continued support in ensuring the safety of Indian nationals residing in the country.
Background of Escalating Tensions
The conversation occurred against a backdrop of escalating tensions that began on February 28 with the killing of Iran's 86-year-old Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel. In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries and Israel, causing disruptions in waterways and affecting international energy markets. Iran has virtually closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for global energy supply, exacerbating economic instability.
Following Khamenei's death, Mojtaba Khamenei, his son, was appointed as the new Supreme Leader. Earlier on the day of the call, the US and Israel jointly launched an attack on Iran's key uranium-enrichment facility in Natanz, though no radioactive leaks were detected, and nearby residents were not at risk.
This diplomatic engagement underscores the complex dynamics of the West Asia conflict, with both leaders advocating for peace while addressing underlying security and economic challenges. The call highlights the potential role of BRICS as a mediator in fostering regional cooperation and stability.
