‘Ensure no civilians are harmed’: India says ‘deeply regrets renewed attacks in West Asia’ | Today’s news
Amid rising tensions in West Asia and the Gulf region, India on Monday reiterated its call for an immediate de-escalation of the conflict, stressing that diplomacy remains the only viable way to restore peace and stability in the region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also noted that the conflict, which has now lasted more than 100 days, has caused enormous human suffering and disrupted the global economy.
Read also | US-Israel-Iran war news updates live: Trump asks Iran and Israel to stop ‘shooting’
In an official statement, the MEA said: “India deeply regrets the renewed attacks in West Asia. These developments are of utmost concern to the international community.”
We call on all parties to immediately de-escalate tensions, ensure that civilians are not harmed and conclude ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region, it added.
New Delhi’s call for peace comes amid major military escalations over the past 24 hours, marked by military clashes between multiple cities, airstrikes targeting strategic installations and heavy missile exchanges across the region.
Oil prices are rising
Oil prices rose more than 4% on Monday as renewed Israeli strikes on Iran and fresh attacks in Lebanon dampened hopes for an imminent end to the wider regional conflict, Reuters reported.
Brent crude futures were up $4.02, or 4.3%, at $97.11 a barrel by 09:14 GMT, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures added $3.90, or 4.3%, to $94.44.
The increase followed Israel’s announcement that it had targeted the Mahshahr petrochemical complex in southwestern Iran, along with other military sites, despite reports that US President Donald Trump had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid further escalation.
US President Donald Trump said earlier in the day that Israel and Iran must stop “shooting” as the two countries attacked each other for the first time since a ceasefire two months ago.
Read also | Trump abruptly ended the NBC interview after clashing over claims of election fraud
“Israel and Iran must immediately stop ‘shooting,'” Trump said on Truth Social.
However, Iran blamed the United States for the escalation.
“No one believes that the Israeli regime would take any action without coordination with the United States,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said during a briefing with reporters in Tehran, as reported by the AP. “The United States bears responsibility for the aggression of the Israeli regime.”
The Houthis have announced an attack on Israel
Yemeni Houthi rebels supported by Iran claimed responsibility for Monday’s attack on Israel. They warned that vessels linked to Israel would again be targeted in the Red Sea, raising concerns about the security of the key sea route, as well as the Gulf of Aden and the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb strait that connects them. Statement by Brig. General Yahya Saree was broadcast on Al-Masirah Houthis satellite news channel.
Read also | Indian embassy reiterates warning to ‘get out’ of Iran as Israel steps up attacks
The renewed threat could further push oil prices higher, especially as Saudi Arabia relies on its East-West pipeline to export oil through the Red Sea as an alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz.
The Houthis carried out a similar threat during the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, killing at least nine sailors and sinking four ships in more than 100 attacks, often targeting vessels with little or no ties to Israel.
(This is a developing story; check back later for updates)
