New Delhi: India on Friday expressed concerns amid an escalation of tensions in the Middle East after Israel launched strikes against Iranian nuclear sites and killed a few of its top officials. Issuing a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged both countries to avoid any ‘escalatory steps’.
Sharing a message, the MEA said it is “deeply concerned at the recent developments between Iran and Israel.” It added, “We are closely monitoring the evolving situation, including reports related to attacks on nuclear sites.”
It also urged both countries to “avoid any escalatory steps”. It observed that “existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilised to work towards a de-escalation of the situation and resolving underlying issues.”
Israel attacks nuclear sites in Tehran
Earlier in the day, Israel attacked nuclear sites in the Iranian capital of Tehran and killed two of its military officials. The attack was followed by Iran’s directing hundreds of drones towards Israel. Israel’s latest attack on Iran is believed to be the most significant attack on Iran, since the latter’s war with Iraq in 1980.
The latest strikes came amid increasing tensions between both countries over Iran’s alleged increase in nuclear programme. Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has also warned of “severe punishment” on Israel. Hours later, Israel claimed to have intercepted Iranian drones.
Meanwhile, Iraq said that 100 Iranian drones crossed its airspace. The neighbouring country of Jordan too claimed that its air force and defence systems intercepted several missiles and drones that entered its airspace.
Notably, Iran has confirmed the death of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, General Hossein Salami. The death of the official is believed to be a significant blow to Tehran’s governing theocracy, leading to the escalation of tensions in the Middle East.
