Renewed Attacks in West Asia Matter of Utmost Concern: India

New Delhi (IANS): India on Monday expressed deep regret over the renewed military strikes in West Asia, calling on all involved parties to immediately de-escalate tensions. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) asserted that the fresh hostilities represent a matter of utmost concern to the international community.

“India deeply regrets the renewed attacks in West Asia. These developments are a matter of utmost concern to the international community. 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,” the MEA stated.

The ministry further urged all factions to ensure civilian safety and conclude ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution to restore peace and stability to the region.

Travel Advisory Reissued for Iran

Amid the escalating situation, the Indian Embassy in Tehran reissued its strict travel advisory. The embassy urged Indian nationals to completely avoid traveling to Iran, while advising those currently in the country to leave immediately using any available means of transport.

Retaliatory Strikes and Missile Interceptions

The escalation reached a critical point on Monday as the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed strikes on multiple targets within a petrochemical complex in Iran’s Mahshahr region.

Concurrently, the Israeli military announced that its air defense systems successfully intercepted a barrage of Iranian missiles launched at Israel on Monday morning. The IDF reported that a missile fragment landed harmlessly in an open field in the West Bank, allowing authorities to issue an all-clear for the Jerusalem area shortly after the initial air raid sirens.

Iran Warns of “Devastating” Retaliation

In response to the developments, Ali Abdollahi, Chief Commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, warned Israel of “crushing and regret-inducing blows” if military actions expand into southern Lebanon or Beirut’s Dahieh district.

According to Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency, Abdollahi accused Israel of committing war crimes and using banned weapons—including phosphorus bombs—with a “greenlight” from the United States. He emphasized that Israel has crossed all established red lines.

Background of the Conflict

The broader West Asian conflict erupted on February 28 following joint US-Israeli airstrikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top military officials. While a brief ceasefire took effect on April 8, subsequent peace talks on April 11–12 failed to yield a definitive agreement. Despite recent exchanges of peace proposals and draft memorandums of understanding between Washington and Tehran, Monday’s renewed violence threatens to completely derail the fragile diplomatic process.