ibn sultan
New Delhi:Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian today and expressed concern at the recent escalations in the Iran-Israel conflict. The US entered the conflict today by attacking three sites in Iran — Natanz, Isfahan and the mountain-buried Fordo, all key parts of Tehran’s nuclear programme, which it maintains is purely for civilian purposes.
The call that lasted 45 minutes came from Mr Pezeshkian in the wake of the US attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, sources said. The Iranian president briefed PM Modi in detail on the evolving situation, the sources said, adding he described India as a friend and partner in promoting regional peace, security and stability.
Mr Pezeshkian thanked PM Modi for India’s position and called for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy, sources said. India’s voice and role was important in restoring regional peace and stability, he said.
“Spoke with President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian. 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,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
Fordo was struck by at least six B-2 stealth bombers this morning, while Tomahawk cruise missiles struck the other two sites in Iran.
Secretly built in violation of UN resolutions under a mountain near the holy central city of Qom, Fordo was first publicly revealed in 2009. Initially described as an “emergency” facility built underground to protect it from potential air attacks, Iran later indicated it was an enrichment plant capable of housing about 3,000 centrifuges.
Following the strikes, US President Donald Trump addressed the nation and issued a stern warning to Iran. “There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran, far greater than we’ve witnessed over the last eight days,” Mr Trump said from the White House on Saturday night (local time).
The Israeli Air Force retaliated with a fresh wave of airstrikes on military targets in western Iran in response to Iranian missile attacks that injured civilians in Israel.
