New Delhi: India on Tuesday said it was closely monitoring the ongoing developments in the conflict between Iran and Israel, particularly the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and Tehran’s retaliatory missile attacks on American bases in Qatar.
In a press statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India expressed concern over the situation in West Asia. “While we remain deeply concerned about the prospects for overall and sustained regional security and stability, we welcome reports of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel and the role played by the US and Qatar in bringing it about,” the MEA said.
The ministry stressed the importance of diplomatic engagement, saying, “We wish to reiterate that there is no alternative to dialogue and diplomacy in order to address and resolve the multiple conflicts in the region.” It further added that India is willing to contribute to efforts for peace and stability and hopes that all stakeholders work towards lasting calm.
Trump hails ceasefire deal
The temporary ceasefire between Iran and Israel was brokered on Tuesday, according to an announcement by US President Donald Trump on his social media platform Truth Social. In a detailed message, Trump said, “CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE! It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE (in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions!), for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, ENDED! Officially, Iran will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 12th Hour, Israel will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 24th Hour, an Official END to THE 12 DAY WAR will be saluted by the World. During each CEASEFIRE, the other side will remain PEACEFUL and RESPECTFUL. On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, I would like to congratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end, what should be called, “THE 12 DAY WAR.” This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will! God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!”
Trump claims credit for peace
Trump added in a follow-up post, “Israel & Iran came to me, almost simultaneously, and said, ‘PEACE!’ I knew the time was NOW. The World, and the Middle East, are the real WINNERS! Both Nations will see tremendous LOVE, PEACE, AND PROSPERITY in their futures. They have so much to gain, and yet, so much to lose if they stray from the road of RIGHTEOUSNESS & TRUTH. The future for Israel & Iran is UNLIMITED, & filled with great PROMISE. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH!”
However, tensions quickly resurfaced when Israel accused Iran of violating the ceasefire by launching missiles, prompting its military to prepare for retaliatory strikes. Iran, in response, denied any such action after the ceasefire took effect.
Later, Trump issued a firm warning to Israel, writing on Truth Social: “ISRAEL. DO NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS. IF YOU DO IT IS A MAJOR VIOLATION. BRING YOUR PILOTS HOME, NOW! DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.”
