'Did not initiate war': In call with PM Modi, Iran President Pezeshkian calls on India-chaired Brics to play role in halting aggressions

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which Tehran called on the India-chaired Brics grouping to play an independent role in "halting aggressions" against Tehran amid the escalating Middle East crisis.This was the second conversation between the two leaders since tensions flared on February 28.In a statement the Iranian embassy in India said, "President of the Islamic Republic of Iran held a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of India, during which they discussed and exchanged views on bilateral relations, as well as regional and international developments in light of the continued military aggressions by the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran." Further referring to India's rotating presidency of Brics, President Pezeshkian "called for the group to play an independent role in halting aggressions against Iran and in safeguarding regional and international peace and stability."The Iranian president outlined "the dimensions of the aggression, unlawful attacks, and crimes committed by the and the Zionist regime, emphasising that Iran did not initiate the war." He told PM Modi that "the aggressor without any justification, logic, or legal basis, launched military attacks against Iran during ongoing nuclear negotiations, resulting in the martyrdom of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, senior military commanders, and a number of defenseless civilians, including innocent schoolchildren, as well as targeting public infrastructure," referring to the strikes carried out under US President Donald Trump's administration.Pezeshkian further alleged that the US targeted the school in Minab describing it as one of the most serious civilian casualties in the conflict."US targeted the school in Minab from bases located in neighboring countries hosting military installations, leading to the tragic martyrdom of 168 innocent schoolchildren," the president said.Pezeshkian also rejected claims by the US that the military action was aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.According to the release, he said that in multiple meetings attended by the Supreme Leader, "the late Leader of the Islamic Revolution had firmly opposed nuclear weapons and had issued both administrative and religious directives prohibiting any move toward their development." He also dismissed allegations portraying Iran as a source of regional instability, asserting instead that Israel has carried out attacks and assassinations "across countries including Lebanon, Gaza, Iran, Iraq and Qatar, under the pretext of maintaining security while fueling unrest."The Iranian president reiterated his country’s willingness to engage in dialogue with global leaders, including on the sidelines of the United Nations, for verification and oversight of its nuclear programme. He described the actions of the US and Israel as "profoundly inhumane and unethical" and strongly condemned them.The Iranian president also proposed the establishment of a regional security framework composed of countries of West Asia, aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the region through regional cooperation without foreign interference. Further expressing deep concern over the escalating tensions, "PM Modi strongly condemned attacks on energy infrastructure, warning that such actions pose serious risks to global food and energy security, as well as agricultural exports," the release stated.Referring to his ongoing consultations with world leaders, the Prime Minister also reiterated that "war serves no one's interest and therefore, all parties should move toward peace as soon as possible," it added.The prime minister also stressed the need to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz and uphold freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf, given their critical role in global trade and energy supplies.Also read:'Condemn attack on critical infrastructure': PM Modi speaks to Iran president, says 'shipping lanes must stay open'Earlier, sharing details of the same conversation on X, PM Modi had said , "Condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, which threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains.""Reiterated the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure," he added.The prime minister also appreciated Tehran’s support for Indian nationals, stating that he "appreciated Iran’s continued support for the safety and security of Indian nationals in Iran."The conversation came amid fresh reports of joint US-Israel strikes on Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment facility. Iranian media said the site was targeted again, though there were no immediate signs of radioactive leakage.Amid growing fears of an energy crisis, India has stepped up diplomatic engagement with Iran, focusing on ensuring the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies and the safety of key shipping routes.The government has indicated it is prioritising dialogue and diplomacy rather than joining any US-led military effort in the region.Earlier, external affairs minister S Jaishankar also spoke with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi and "conveyed greetings for Navroz and Eid.""Our conversation was on the latest developments regarding the conflict and its implications for the larger region," Jaishankar posted on X.As per Iranian media, Araghchi told Jaishankar that independent countries should pressure the "aggressor side" to end its aggression and provide guarantees that such attacks are not repeated.