WANA (Mar 21) – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that ending the ongoing conflict in the region requires the immediate cessation of what he described as “U.S. and Israeli aggression” and guarantees against its recurrence.

 

In a phone call on Saturday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pezeshkian discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments amid what he called continued military attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran.

 

Pezeshkian said Iran did not initiate the conflict, accusing its adversaries of carrying out military actions without “legal justification” during ongoing nuclear negotiations.

 

He also said that the attacks resulted in the deaths of senior military officials and civilians, including students, and damage to public infrastructure.

 

The Iranian president further stated that a primary school in Minab was targeted in an attack launched from neighboring countries hosting U.S. bases, resulting in the deaths of 168 children.

 

Rejecting statements by U.S. officials that military action was intended to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, Pezeshkian said Iran’s leadership has consistently opposed nuclear arms. He also dismissed accusations that Iran is a source of regional instability, instead blaming Israel for carrying out attacks across multiple countries in the region.

 

Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s willingness to engage in dialogue and accept oversight of its peaceful nuclear activities, including in meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

 

He also proposed the creation of a regional security framework led by West Asian countries, aimed at ensuring stability without foreign intervention.

 

The Iranian president emphasized that a key condition for ending the conflict is the immediate halt to U.S. and Israeli aggression, along with assurances that such actions will not be repeated.

 

Referring to India’s current presidency of the BRICS group, Pezeshkian called on the bloc to play an independent role in stopping hostilities and maintaining regional and international stability.

 

Modi, for his part, congratulated Iran on the occasions of Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz and expressed hope for peace and prosperity for the Iranian people. He also voiced deep concern over escalating tensions in West Asia and strongly condemned attacks on energy infrastructure, warning of their potential impact on global food and energy security.

 

The Indian prime minister stressed the importance of maintaining security in the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf.

 

He added that, based on his discussions with other world leaders, “the path of war benefits no one,” urging all parties to move toward peace as soon as possible.