PM Modi speaks to Iran president, reiterates ‘call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy’

Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that he spoke with Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran, and expressed deep concern at the recent escalations.

"Spoke with President of Iran @drpezeshkian. We discussed in detail about the current situation. Expressed deep concern at the recent escalations," Modi said in a post on X.

“Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability,” he said.

The call came from Iranian President Pezeshkian in the wake of the US attack on the Iranian nuclear facilities. The president briefed PM Modi in detail on the evolving situation, reported news agency ANI citing sources.

The call lasted 45 minutes. The president described India as a friend and partner in promoting regional peace, security and stability and thanked Prime Minister Modi for India's position and call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy. India’s voice and role were important in the restoration of regional peace and stability, said the ANI report.

The US military struck three sites in Iran early Sunday, inserting itself into Israel’s effort to decapitating Iran's nuclear program in a risky gambit to weaken a longtime foe amid Tehran’s threat of reprisals that could spark a wider regional conflict.

The decision to directly involve the US comes after more than a week of strikes by Israel on Iran that have moved to systematically eradicate the country’s air defenses and offensive missile capabilities, while damaging its nuclear enrichment facilities, an APreport said.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said PM Modi thanked President Pezeshkian for the continued support being extended for safe return and repatriation of the Indian community. 

The two leaders reiterated shared commitment to continue to work for strengthening bilateral cooperation in different areas including trade and economic cooperation, science & technology and people-to-people ties. They agreed to remain in touch, it added.

World leaders call for de-escalation of West Asia war

After US President Donald Trump launched air strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, several world leaders have called for de-escalation of the West Asia war.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Sunday called for a swift return to diplomacy after the US assault on Iran.

Iran must "immediately enter into negotiations with the US and Israel and to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict", Merz said, according to his spokesman Stefan Kornelius.

The German government believes "large parts of Iran's nuclear programme have been damaged by the airstrikes," the spokesman said.

Kornelius said.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Iran’s nuclear programme is a “grave threat” which the US military action would “alleviate”.

There was no British involvement in the action but the government was informed in advance of the strikes, which involved B-2 stealth bombers and submarine-launched missiles, he added.

Starmer and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy had sought to persuade Mr Trump’s administration from holding off on joining Israel in striking Iran, arguing for de-escalation and a diplomatic process.

Switzerland also urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and immediately return to diplomacy.

"Switzerland is deeply alarmed by the dangerous escalation between Israel and Iran since June 13, including today's attacks by the US," the foreign ministry said on its website.

"Switzerland emphasises the importance of full respect for international law, including the UN Charter and international humanitarian law.”

"Switzerland urges all parties to exercise the maximum restraint, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and immediately return to diplomacy."