Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi by phone, focusing on the escalating conflict in West Asia. The leaders discussed bilateral relations and regional developments, particularly the military actions between Iran and the US. Raisi emphasized that Iran did not initiate the current hostilities, stating that attacks began during nuclear talks without valid justification or legal basis. He highlighted the casualties, including senior military figures and innocent civilians like schoolchildren, and significant damage to Iran’s infrastructure.

President Raisi detailed how the US launched attacks from neighboring countries’ military bases, including one targeting a school in Manab that resulted in 168 child fatalities. He reiterated Iran’s commitment to engaging in direct and phone conversations with global leaders regarding its peaceful nuclear program, ensuring its monitoring and verification. Raisi also proposed establishing a regional security framework involving West Asian countries to foster peace and stability through cooperation, free from external interference.

The core condition set by President Raisi for ending the war and conflict in the region is an immediate cessation of aggression by the United States and Israel. He stressed the necessity of guarantees that such incidents will not be repeated in the future. This stance underscores Iran’s demand for de-escalation and a commitment to non-aggression going forward, directly linking any potential ceasefire to these assurances.

Addressing India’s current presidency of the BRICS group, Raisi appealed for the bloc to play an independent role in halting the aggression against Iran. He believes BRICS can contribute significantly to preserving regional and international peace and stability. This call highlights Iran’s expectation that multilateral organizations can act as mediators and enforcers of peace in volatile regions.

The conversation between the two leaders occurred amidst heightened tensions in West Asia. President Raisi’s explicit conditions for a ceasefire, directly communicated to Prime Minister Modi, signal Iran’s firm position on the conflict’s resolution. The outcome of these diplomatic exchanges and the potential response from the international community, particularly BRICS nations, will be crucial in shaping the future stability of the region.