Iran pres. stresses collective, effective fight against terrorism in phone calls with Indian, Pakistani PMs

President Masoud Pezeshkian has reiterated Iran’s strong condemnation of a recent deadly terror attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, stressing the need for joint effective fight against terrorism.

In a telephone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, the Iranian chief executive expressed deep sorrow over the attack in the city of Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of at least 26 people.

Iran condemns terror attack in India's Kashmir region

The spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned a terrorist attack in the city of Pehlgam, India, which left over two dozen people dead and a number of others injured.

The Islamic Republic vehemently denounces such “terrorist and inhumane acts," the president stated, extending heartfelt condolences to the people and government of India.

Highlighting the alarming rise of terrorist activities across the region, Pezeshkian stressed the urgency of collective action, saying, "These tragic events double the collective responsibility of all regional countries.”

“They compel us to eradicate the roots of terrorism through solidarity, empathy, and close cooperation, thereby ensuring lasting peace and tranquility for our nations."

On a separate note, the president hailed India's long-standing heritage of promoting peace through figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.

Toward the end of the conversation, he formally invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Tehran, emphasizing Iran’s eagerness to "explore and pursue avenues for deepening and expanding comprehensive cooperation between our two countries in a friendly and constructive atmosphere."

For his part, Modi thanked the Iranian president over the expression of solidarity with India. "Your expression of sympathy is deeply valued and encouraging for the government and people of India," he said.

Modi: Iran, India see eye to eye on fight against terrorism

Acknowledging Iran’s “painful history with terrorism,” the Indian premier added that in light of its tragic experience, the Islamic Republic “understands better than anyone the feelings and suffering of the Indian people.”

He, meanwhile, declared, “We fully agree with your view that fighting terrorism requires the unity and comprehensive cooperation of all countries in the region."

Modi also praised Iran's constructive role in fostering global peace and security, reaffirming New Delhi's commitment to strengthening the bilateral ties.

In conclusion, the Indian premier extended warm regards to the Iranian president, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and the Iranian people.

Also on Saturday, Pezeshkian held a separate phone call with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which he expressed deep concern over the rising tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Kashmir attack.

"Unfortunately, these acts of terrorism, which continue to claim the lives of people across the region, not only result in the tragic loss of innocent lives, but also fuel new tensions and divisions among neighboring countries," the former warned.

As in the case of the phone call with Modi, Pezeshkian called for urgent regional anti-terror cooperation, emphasizing the need to "combat the scourge of terrorism and dismantle the financial and military infrastructures of terrorist groups."

He stressed that consolidating peace, security, and stability had to be the shared objective of all regional states.

In response, Sharif expressed his appreciation for Iran’s attention to regional issues.

The conversations came amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly assault.

The attack prompted cross-border exchanges of fire between Indian and Pakistani forces, besides being followed by the countries’ facing each other with a number of tit-for-tat moves and military threats.

India, Pakistan exchange fire as UN calls for 'maximum restraint'

India and Pakistan resort to border fire as the United Nations urges them "to exercise maximum restraint."

The United Nations has urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint.

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