India on Monday called for immediate de-escalation as Israel and Iran exchanged fresh strikes, marking the most serious flare-up since the April ceasefire.
The escalating hostilities have heightened concerns over a wider regional conflict. "India deeply regrets the renewed attacks in West Asia. These developments are a matter of utmost concern to the international community," a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) read. Check Live Updates Here The government also put spotlight on the humanitarian and economic consequences of the prolonged conflict. "This conflict has now lasted over 100 days and has already caused immense human suffering. It has also had a debilitating impact on the global economy and energy supplies," it said. "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," the statement said.
Earlier today, US President Donald Trump had issued a a blunt appeal on his Truth Social platform, urging both Israel and Iran to immediately halt hostilities. "Israel and Iran must immediately stop shooting," Trump posted on his platform.
Israel and Iran traded fire on Monday and the retaliatory strikes that threatened to drag the wider Middle East back into a full-scale regional war. It was the first exchange of fire since an April 8 ceasefire was reached.
Israeli authorities said three waves of Iranian missiles targeted the country. Explosions could be heard in central Israel as Israeli air defenses sought to intercept the incoming Iranian fire. The Iranian attack came after Israel launched strikes on central and western Iran early Monday in response to missile fire from Tehran.
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed an attack on Israel and said Israel-affiliated vessels would again be a target in the Red Sea.
The war, launched by the US and Israel on February 29 with strikes on Iran, has shaken the global economy, driven energy prices up around the world and made many basics, including food, more expensive.
