Pezeshkian tells Modi: Iran not seeking war, fighting 'savage' US-Israeli aggression

President Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran does not seek war but is exercising its right to self-defense in the face of "savage" US-Israeli aggression. 

He made the remarks late on Thursday in a phone conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid continued US-Israeli airstrikes in Iran which started on February 28. 

Tehran “did not start the war and does not seek its continuation,” Pezeshkian said. "However, based on the right to self-defense, it is targeting US bases in the region that were the source of the attacks," he added.

Pezeshkian thanked the Indian government and people for their expressions of sympathy with Iranians and stressed that the Islamic Republic has always held India “in special regard as a friend and economic partner.”

The Iranian president also praised India’s “balanced and constructive positions” on the international stage and its efforts to reduce tensions.

According to Pezeshkian, the "savage" US-Israeli aggression came at a time when Iran was pursuing negotiations with Washington and seeking to resolve issues through diplomacy.

“While Iran was on the path of negotiations with the United States and resolving matters through diplomacy, the savage attack by the United States and the Zionist regime took place,” he said, slamming the strikes as a violation of international rules and humanitarian law.

Pezeshkian said the aggression resulted in the assassination of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, senior military commanders and 168 schoolchildren in an attack on a school in the southern city of Minab.

He added that the martyred leader, beyond his political role, was “the spiritual leader of Muslims worldwide,” stressing that seeking justice for his blood “is the legitimate right of the Islamic Ummah.”

Pezeshkian also strongly condemned Israel’s assassination of innocent civilians, describing it as a clear example of “state terrorism.”

Despite the recent attacks on Iranian infrastructure, he said Tehran remains committed to expanding cooperation with India and other friendly countries, particularly within frameworks such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

He underlined the importance of BRICS playing a more active role in safeguarding regional peace, stability and security.

Modi, for his part, voiced deep concern over the escalating tensions in West Asia and reaffirmed India’s ties with Iran.

“India is a friend of Iran,” the Indian prime minister said, adding that New Delhi will make every possible effort to support diplomatic efforts.

He also stressed that further escalation would benefit no party.

Modi expressed regret that the war erupted during the holy month of Ramadan and voiced hope that the upcoming Persian New Year, Nowruz, would usher in peace, calm and stability in the region, with disputes resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi also held a phone conversation with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Friday, focusing on regional and international developments.

During the call, Araghchi briefed Jaishankar on the latest consequences of the aggression and crimes committed by the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran and their impact on regional and global security.

He emphasized the “firm determination of the Iranian government, people and armed forces to exercise their legitimate right of self-defense against aggressors.”

Araghchi also called for international and regional organizations to condemn the military aggression on Iran. 
Referring to the growing role of BRICS as a platform for multilateral cooperation, he said the grouping should play a constructive role at the current juncture in supporting regional and global stability.

Jaishankar, in turn, voiced India’s readiness to expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation in regional and international forums.

He also pointed the importance of finding pathways to strengthen lasting stability and security in the region, describing it as a “collective necessity.”
 

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