Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that an "immediate cessation" of U.S.-Israeli actions is necessary to end the war and broader regional tensions. He called for guarantees to prevent future aggression and urged BRICS to take an independent role in protecting Iran. Pezeshkian also proposed a West Asian security framework to keep external powers out of local peace arrangements. Modi condemned attacks on critical Middle East infrastructure and stressed the need to safeguard freedom of navigation and open shipping lanes.
Iran President Calls for Immediate Halt to U.S.-Israeli 'Aggression' in Phone Call With Modi, Proposes West Asian Security Pact
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks during a meeting in Tehran, Iran, February 21, 2026. Iran's Presidential website/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS
March 21 — Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian told India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi by phone that an "immediate cessation" of what he described as U.S.-Israeli aggression is needed to end the war and broader regional conflict, the Iranian embassy in India said in a post on X.
Diplomatic Push for Guarantees and Regional Security
Pezeshkian urged guarantees to prevent a recurrence of such "aggression" and called on the BRICS grouping of major emerging economies to play an independent role in stopping attacks against Iran. He proposed establishing a regional security framework composed of West Asian countries to secure peace without foreign interference, according to the embassy's account of the conversation.
"An immediate cessation of aggression is required to end the war and the wider regional conflict," the embassy quoted Pezeshkian as saying.
India's Position
In a separate post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the Middle East that were discussed during the call. Modi also reiterated the importance of protecting freedom of navigation and ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure.
This exchange highlights Tehran's push for regional solutions and international guarantees amid wider tensions in the Middle East, and reflects India's diplomatic engagement on issues affecting regional stability and global trade routes.
Reporting by Ananya Palyekar in Bengaluru; Editing by Sharon Singleton.
Help us improve.
