Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has accused the United States of seeking to prolong the war with Iran, while calling for dialogue and cooperation to resolve disputes between Tehran and Washington.
Pezeshkian made the remarks on Monday during his first face-to-face meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi since the US-Iran war began in late February.
The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
“However, we continue to try to realise the path of agreement and understanding and believe that the continuation of the war is neither in our interest, nor in the interest of the region, nor in the interest of humanity,” Pezeshkian said.
He said Iran had honored its commitments under a Pakistan-mediated framework agreement with Washington but accused the US of failing to uphold its side of the deal.
Modi urges diplomacy as tensions rise
Modi expressed concern over the escalating regional tensions and reiterated India’s position that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, according to a statement from his office.
The Indian prime minister also called for continued efforts toward lasting peace and stability, while stressing the need to protect freedom of navigation and commerce.
“Civilians and civilian infrastructure, including commercial shipping and seafarers, must not be harmed under any circumstances,” Modi said, according to the statement.
Pezeshkian also called for stronger ties with India, saying Tehran was ready to expand cooperation with New Delhi across multiple sectors.
Strait of Hormuz tensions intensify
The meeting came as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz intensified following a US military attack on Lark Island near the strategic waterway overnight and subsequent Iranian retaliation.
Tehran and Washington have remained locked in a confrontation since the war began with US strikes on Iran in late February.
A framework agreement was reached in June following mediation by Pakistan and Qatar, but tensions later resurfaced over navigation in the strait.
The US subsequently launched a two-week bombing campaign in July and reimposed a naval blockade after disagreements between the two sides deepened.
Monday’s meeting underscored India’s effort to promote diplomacy as tensions threaten a strategically vital waterway linking the Persian Gulf with global energy markets.
