Jaishankar urges Iran to protect commercial shipping and seafarers during escalating Middle East tensions, reaffirming India’s support for dialogue, diplomacy and regional stability, reports Asian Lite News Desk
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday urged Iran to ensure that commercial shipping and seafarers are not targeted as tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East.
During a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Jaishankar conveyed India’s deep concern over the worsening security situation and stressed the importance of protecting maritime trade and civilian crews.
“Had a tele-conversation with FM Araghchi of Iran this evening. Conveyed our deep concerns at the ongoing hostilities in the region. Strongly urged that attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers be avoided under any circumstance. India condemns any such attack by any party,” Jaishankar posted on X.
The External Affairs Minister said he was briefed on Iran’s assessment of the evolving situation and the diplomatic efforts currently underway.
“Was apprised of Iran’s perspective of current developments and discussions underway. India is always supportive of dialogue and diplomacy,” he added.
India’s intervention comes amid heightened military activity in the region following fresh exchanges between the United States and Iran, raising concerns over the safety of vital shipping routes through the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters.
Earlier on Friday, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) released new details of its maritime operations, saying American forces had redirected 24 commercial vessels, disabled two and boarded another two as part of ongoing efforts to secure regional waterways and ensure compliance with security measures.
The developments follow a fresh round of US military strikes against Iran launched on Wednesday in response to what Washington described as an attempted Iranian attack on American forces stationed in the Middle East.
The US action came less than a day after Iran fired ballistic missiles towards US military positions in Jordan. According to US officials, the missiles were intercepted by air defence systems, prompting President Donald Trump to warn that the United States would respond forcefully.
CENTCOM has not disclosed the precise locations of the latest strikes. However, Iranian state media reported explosions in the southern provinces of Hormozgan and Khuzestan, with attacks also reported near oil facilities and on islands in the Persian Gulf.
